EP3519655B1 - Device for moving sliding doors and article of furniture comprising such a device - Google Patents
Device for moving sliding doors and article of furniture comprising such a device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3519655B1 EP3519655B1 EP17788310.5A EP17788310A EP3519655B1 EP 3519655 B1 EP3519655 B1 EP 3519655B1 EP 17788310 A EP17788310 A EP 17788310A EP 3519655 B1 EP3519655 B1 EP 3519655B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- door
- movable element
- sliding
- furniture
- stationary structure
- Prior art date
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 49
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Images
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D15/00—Suspension arrangements for wings
- E05D15/06—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane
- E05D15/10—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane movable out of one plane into a second parallel plane
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D15/00—Suspension arrangements for wings
- E05D15/06—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane
- E05D15/10—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane movable out of one plane into a second parallel plane
- E05D15/1042—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane movable out of one plane into a second parallel plane with transversely moving carriage
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F1/00—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass
- E05F1/08—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings
- E05F1/16—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings for sliding wings
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F5/00—Braking devices, e.g. checks; Stops; Buffers
- E05F5/003—Braking devices, e.g. checks; Stops; Buffers for sliding wings
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D15/00—Suspension arrangements for wings
- E05D15/06—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane
- E05D15/10—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane movable out of one plane into a second parallel plane
- E05D15/1042—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane movable out of one plane into a second parallel plane with transversely moving carriage
- E05D2015/1055—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane movable out of one plane into a second parallel plane with transversely moving carriage with slanted or curved track sections or cams
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2800/00—Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
- E05Y2800/20—Combinations of elements
- E05Y2800/23—Combinations of elements of elements of different categories
- E05Y2800/24—Combinations of elements of elements of different categories of springs and brakes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/20—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for furniture, e.g. cabinets
Definitions
- the object of the present invention is a device for moving sliding doors, particularly for moving doors of a wardrobe which, when the wardrobe is in a closed position, are aligned and juxtaposed in a same plane and, in an open position, lie parallel and overlapped on each other.
- patent EP 1 613 831 patent US 4,704,819 , patent application WO 2010/095029 and patent US 7,647,728 , for example.
- the device of patent EP 1 613 831 comprises, for each sliding door, a bracket integrally constrained to the respective door at an upper edge of the same.
- Two longitudinal trolleys are slidable on a profile disposed along all the width of the furniture which support the doors.
- a small trolley is mounted to each of the longitudinal trolleys, which can slide on the respective trolley in a direction substantially transversal to the profile and is integral with the door.
- the small trolleys are guided by means of respective idle rolls along recesses or cams developing along the profile, and exhibit curved portions.
- the device of patent US 4,704,819 comprises a pair of rolls integral with a door, and sliding inside a guide integral with the furniture.
- the roll positioned towards the shoulder of the furniture remains always inside said guide, while the other roll in the closed position of the door is outside the guide and is constrained, by a hook, to a pin supported by an arm hinged to a block integral with the furniture.
- a portion of the same is firstly extracted normal to the guide with a movement guided by the roll and arm.
- the arm rotates until it moves the roll into the guide and then releases it. Now, both the rolls slide in the guide 1 together with the door.
- the device of the patent application WO 2010/095029 comprises a rectilinear guide mountable along the width of a compartment closable by a door.
- a first trolley slidingly movable along the rectilinear guide, is connected to a connecting element integrally constrainable to the door; an auxiliary trolley is mounted on the first trolley and freely slides, with respect to the first trolley, along a direction transversal to the rectilinear guide.
- the auxiliary trolley is connected to a connecting element integrally constrainable to the door.
- the device comprises an auxiliary guide exhibiting a rectilinear portion substantially parallel to the rectilinear guide and an end portion developing transversally to the rectilinear portion.
- the auxiliary trolley is guided by the auxiliary guide.
- a second trolley is slidingly movable along a rectilinear guide.
- the device described in the patent application WO 2010/095029 moreover comprises a rotating arm hinged on the second trolley and exhibiting an end hinged to the connecting element, the rotating arm being movable between a first position, wherein it lies substantially aligned with the rectilinear guide, and a second position, wherein it lies transversally to the rectilinear guide.
- the device of patent US 7,647,728 comprises a bracket which makes a panel of a sliding door integral with a pair of small trolleys mounted on respective trolleys and having the possibility of translating longitudinally with respect to such trolleys.
- the trolleys in turn can translate along a track, in order to be capable of sweeping the opening of a compartment and closing or opening it by means of such panel. While the trolleys move along the track, the small trolleys move along the path of a cam guide to which they are engaged.
- the track and cam guide are longitudinally coaxial.
- Document JP4200468B1 can be considered as representing the closest prior art and relates to a device for opening and closing a door of an article of furniture with coplanar doors, the device including a rail positioned on the top of the article of furniture and a switching mechanism of the type with a rotating plate moving in contrast to a spring.
- the switching mechanism allows the opening and closing of the door and hence its movement along the rail.
- the door In order to be able to move along the rail, the door is connected to a bracket, at the ends of which wheels engaging the rail are applied.
- the rail has a symmetrical geometry and comprises, from the outside towards the center, a rectilinear terminal stretch, a curvilinear stretch approaching the edge of the top of the article of furniture and a rectilinear main stretch having preponderant length.
- the rail also comprises, on each side, an inner stretch which, from its terminal end, extends towards the edge of the top of the article of furniture, following a curvilinear profile, until it joins with the rectilinear main stretch of the rail.
- the technical task underlying the present invention consists of providing a device for moving sliding doors which is simple and relatively not expensive and capable of moving the respective door along a predefined path in an extremely accurate and smooth way.
- a further object of the present invention consists of providing a device for moving sliding doors which, during the movement of the door, prevents any interferences between the different moving elements.
- a further object of the present invention consists of providing a device for moving sliding doors which can be adapted to articles of furniture of different sizes, from wardrobes, also of large size, to medium-sized structures, such as kitchen cupboards or similar.
- an object of the present invention consists of providing a structurally simple, compact and rugged device which is as much as possible modular so that it can adapt to any size of wardrobe / kitchen cupboard / hanging.
- a further object of the present invention consists of providing a device for moving doors of a wardrobe with coplanar doors, which is particularly economical and particularly simple to be assembled and to be operated.
- At least one elastic element such as a first spring
- a first spring can be applied between said first movable element (80) and said stationary structure (70), preferably at least two first springs (81', 81") being applied between said first movable element (80) and said stationary structure (70), wherein said first elastic element is adapted to thrust said first movable element (80) towards its own retracted position.
- At least one damper (81) is applied between said first movable element (80) and said stationary structure (70), wherein said damper (81) is adapted to slow said first movable element (80) during the translations towards its own retracted position.
- At least one second spring (91) is applied between said second movable element (90) and said stationary structure (70), said second spring (91) is adapted to thrust said second movable element (80) towards its own extracted position.
- a first groove (82) is made, said first groove (82) developing substantially parallel to said edge (8), and wherein on said second movable element (90) a second groove (92) is made, said second groove (92) developing substantially tangent to the rotation axis of said second movable element (90), said appendage of said bar (4) being housed, in said closed position of said door (2), both in said first groove (82), and in said second groove (92).
- said appendage comprises a first projection (4') adapted to be housed, in said closed position of said door (2), in said first groove (82) and a second projection (4") adapted to be housed, in said closed position of said door (2), in said second groove (92), said first projection (4') and said second projection (4") being substantially coaxial to each other, the axis being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to said top (7) of said article of furniture (3), and projecting from opposite faces of a connecting plate (40) of said appendage to said bar (4).
- the rotation of said second movable element (90) is adapted to enable a change of the orientation of said second groove (92) with respect to said first groove (82) during the switching from said closed position of said door (2) to said open position of said door (2) and/or during the switching from said open position of said door (2) to said closed position of said door (2), said second groove (92) being disposed substantially parallel to said first groove (82) when said first movable element (80) and said second movable element (90) are both in the respective extracted position, said second groove (92) being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to said first groove (82) when said first movable element (80) and said second movable element (90) are both in the respective retracted position.
- said appendage of said bar (4) is capable of translating both along said first groove (82) and along said second groove (92), and of generally describing a roto-translating trajectory with respect to said stationary structure (70).
- said appendage abuts against the bottom (83) of said first groove (82) and/or the bottom (93) of said second groove (92) when said first movable element (80) and said second movable element (90) are both in the respective retracted position.
- said first groove (82) is configured for exhibiting a base surface (84), said base surface (84) comprising at least one first portion (85) and one second portion (86), said second portion (86) being interposed between said first portion (85) and the bottom (83) of said first groove (82), said second portion (86) being substantially parallel to said top (7) of said article of furniture (3), and said first portion (85) being slightly sloped with respect to said second portion (86).
- said second portion (86) has an extension comprised between the extension of said first portion (85) and twice the extension of said first portion (85).
- hooking means (20) adapted to hold said first movable element (80) in the respective retracted position are applied, for particularly overcoming the return force exerted by said first elastic element.
- said hooking means (20) comprise:
- the distance of said pin (30) from said top (7) of said article of furniture (3) is greater than the distance of said abutment surface (77) from said top (7) of said article of furniture (3).
- said hooking means (20) further comprise a third spring (21), a first end (21') of said third spring (21) being applied to said first movable element (80) and a second end (21") of said third spring (21) being applied to said lever (31) for thrusting said protrusion (34) against said abutment surface (71) when said first movable element (80) is in its own extracted position.
- the distance between the application point of said third spring (21) on said lever (31) and said top (7) of said article of furniture (3) is less than the distance of said pin (30) from said top (7) of said article of furniture (3).
- said hooking means (20) further comprise at least one sliding surface (71) adapted to be contacted by said lever (31), particularly by said protrusion (34), during the switching from said closed position of said door (2) to said open position of said door (2) and during the switching from said open position of said door (2) to said closed position of said door (2), said sliding surface (71) being rigidly connected to said stationary structure (70) and being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to said abutment surface (77) and substantially parallel to said top (7) of said article of furniture (3), said sliding surface (71) being preferably made in one piece with said stationary structure (70), wherein said sliding surface (71) is adjacent said abutment surface (77), the corner between said sliding surface (71) and said abutment surface (77) being preferably radiused.
- said sliding surface (71) adapted to be contacted by said lever (31), particularly by said protrusion (34), during the switching from said closed position of said door (2) to said open position of said door (2) and during the switching from said open position of said door (2) to said closed
- said sliding or rolling element (5" has an axisymmetric shape and comprises a first shoulder (50'), a recess (51) and a second shoulder (50"), said recess (51) being interposed between said first shoulder (50') and said second shoulder (50"), said first shoulder (50') being adapted to contact the side of said guide or track (6) nearer said edge (8) and said second shoulder (50") being adapted to contact the side of said guide or track (6) farther from said edge (8), wherein said first shoulder (50') has a smaller extension than said second shoulder (50"), the corner between said second shoulder (50") and said recess (51) being preferably radiused.
- the device further comprises a bracket (15) adapted to rigidly connect said bar (4) to said door (2), said bracket (15) being applied to said bar (4) in proximity of said first sliding or rolling element (5').
- said bracket (15) comprises an intermediate portion (18) adapted to hold said door (2) at a predetermined distance from said bar (4), at least part of said intermediate portion (18) being configured for having a depth greater than the thickness of said door (2) and a width less than half the width of said door (2) and for being disposed at a level greater than the one of said door (2).
- said first portion (6') of said guide or track (6) has a substantially "S" shape, the inflection being particularly positioned at half said first portion (6') of said guide or track (6) .
- a preferred embodiment of the invention refers to an article of furniture (3), such as a wardrobe or a kitchen cupboard or a hanging, comprising:
- reference number 3 generally indicates an article of furniture, and particularly a wardrobe or a kitchen cupboard or a hanging.
- a wardrobe for the sake of simplicity it is made reference to a wardrobe, however it is understood that the device is not only limited to this article.
- the article of furniture 3 is provided with two sliding doors 2 and 2a which close a compartment of the wardrobe 3.
- a device 1 and 1a object of the present invention, is associated.
- the door 2 is movable by means of the device 1, between an aligned position coplanar with the other door 2a (as illustrated in Figure 2 ), when the compartment of the wardrobe 3 is arranged in a completely closed condition, and an overlapped position with respect to the other door 2a (as illustrated in Figure 4 ), when the compartment of the wardrobe 3 corresponding to the door 2 is opened.
- the doors 2 and 2a and devices 1 and 1a are preferably a mirror-image of each other, so that what was hereinbefore discussed and generally all what will be discussed with reference to the door 2 and device 1, must be intended valid also for the door 2a and device 1a.
- the devices 1 and 1a are mounted or mountable to the top 7 of the wardrobe 3 and therefore are particularly disposed as a mirror-image of each other with respect to a symmetry plane of the wardrobe 3 itself, such symmetry plane particularly coinciding with the mid vertical plane of the wardrobe 3, disposed substantially normal to the doors 2 and 2a.
- the devices 1 and 1a comprise a guide or track 6 mountable to the top 7 along the width of the wardrobe 3 compartment.
- Such guide or track 6 is configured for being used for defining the opening and closing trajectories of the door 2, and comprise a first substantially curvilinear portion 6' extending towards the edge 8 of the top 7, and a second substantially rectilinear portion 6", which advantageously develops immediately at the end of the first portion 6' and is radiused with it, in order to prevent from forming unsuitably sharp edges along the path of the guide or track 6.
- the devices 1 and 1a share the same guide or track 6 and, additionally, that such shared guide or track 6 is symmetric with respect to the midplane of the wardrobe 3. Therefore, such shared guide or track 6 is formed by a pair of first portions 6' connected to each other by the second portion 6", the first portions 6' being advantageously a mirror-image of each other with respect to the midplane of the wardrobe 3.
- the guide or track 6 is made by a single profile (for example of metal material or plastic material) suitably shaped or by a plurality of profiles disposed one following the other: for example, the guide or track 6 can be obtained by arranging adjacently to each other a first profile suitable for forming the first portion 6' and a second profile suitable for forming the second portion 6".
- the shared guide or track 6 is manufactured by making a pair of curvilinear profiles integral with a pair of plates, then such plates are fixed (by screws, for example) to the top 7 and in remote (and preferably specular) positions with respect to the mid plane of the wardrobe 3, so that then each curvilinear profile is adapted to act as a first portion 6', and to the top 7 a rectilinear profile adapted to act as a second portion 6" between the two curvilinear profiles, is applied, advantageously by constraining it to these latter.
- the device 1 for moving the door 2 according to the present invention comprises a longitudinal bar 4 fixed to the door 2, such bar 4 develops along the width of the wardrobe 3 compartment.
- a first sliding or rolling element 5' and a second sliding or rolling element 5" are respectively applied, such sliding or rolling elements can be devices adapted to roll on the guide or track 6, for example wheels, rolls, or balls, or as an alternative, devices adapted to slide along the guide or track 6, for example, runners, slides or sleeves (to this matter, the first sliding or rolling element 5' can be identical to the second sliding or rolling element 5" or can be different from the second sliding or rolling element 5", particularly it is provided, for the second sliding or rolling element 5", an embodiment which is particularly adapted to be used in the device 1 according to the present invention and which will be described in the following).
- a bracket 15 is used for rigidly connecting the bar 4 to the door 2.
- the bracket 15, preferably made in a single body, has roughly a "L" shape and develops between a pair of connecting flanges, connectable respectively, by screws for example, to the upper portion of the door 2 surface facing the wardrobe 3 compartment and to the portion of the upper surface of the bar 4 adjacent the first sliding or rolling element 5'. Therefore, the intermediate portion 18 of the bracket 15 is disposed between the connecting flanges, the main purpose of said bracket 15 being holding the door 2 at a predetermined distance from the bar 4. It is important to size the intermediate portion 18 for preventing it from restricting the door 2 stroke.
- the intermediate portion 18, when is substantially coplanar or parallel to the flange connecting the bracket 15 to the bar 4, has a depth suitably greater than the thickness of the door 2 (and therefore than the thickness of the door 2a, assuming that the two doors 2 and 2a have substantially the same size), in order to enable the door 2, when it opens, to overlap the door 2a.
- the intermediate portion 18 has a width less than half the width of the door 2 (and therefore than the width of the door 2a) in order to not abut against the associated bracket of the other door 2a (assuming the two bracket have substantially the same size), not even at the position of maximum opening of the door 2.
- the intermediate portion 18 is at a level greater than the maximum level reached by the door 2 (and therefore than the maximum level reached by the door 2, under the assumption the two doors 2 and 2a are installed substantially at the same height, besides of substantially having the same size), so that the door 2, during its opening movement, it does interfere with the other door 2a.
- the movement device 1, is capable of causing the door 2 to take at least one closed position and an open position (represented in Figure 2 and in Figure 4 , respectively). Since the doors 2 and 2a are juxtaposed to each other, when the wardrobe 3 is closed, the door 2 requires to follow, during the initial opening step thereof, a trajectory such to prevent impacts against the other door 2a, wherein the displacement of the door 2 towards the opening occurs after, or is combined with, the detachment of the door 2 from the wardrobe 3.
- the trajectory of the door 2 during its final closing step reproduces the trajectory followed by the door 2 during its initial opening step, in order to always prevent impacts against the door 2a.
- Figure 3 shows a frame of the device 1 according to the present invention, and of the door 2 during the initial step of opening the door 2, or in the same way during the final step of closing the door 2, particularly such frame representing the movement necessary for completing the detachment, from the wardrobe 3, of the door 2 edge adjacent the door 2a.
- the solution chosen for detaching the door 2 from the wardrobe 3 during its initial opening step comprises a prevalent detachment of door 2 side adjacent the door 2a with respect to a detachment of the opposite side of the door 2, consequently the door 2 is sloped with respect to the door 2a according to an axis substantially parallel to the height of the wardrobe 3.
- Such slope is particularly obtained by a sudden roto-translation movement imparted to the door 2 side adjacent the door 2a, by means of a suitable mechanism which will be specifically described in the following.
- the opposite side of the door 2 more gradually detaches, however the same being mainly determined by the curvilinear trajectory of the first portion 6' of the guide or track 6 and continues until the first sliding or rolling element 5' reaches the second portion 6" of the guide or track 6.
- the device 1, is configured for automatically generating, during the step of opening the door 2, the roto-translational movement of the door 2 edge adjacent the door 2a, since the device 1 is operated by a pulling force imparted on the door 2 (by the user of the wardrobe 3 which pulls towards himself/herself the door 2 by typically acting on a handle applied to such door 2, for example).
- the device 1 is configured so that, during the final step of closing the door 2, the inertia itself of the door 2 (moved by the user which pushes the door 2 in a direction parallel to such door) causes an automatic activation in order to automatically generate, also during the step of closing the door 2, the roto-translational movement of the door 2 edge adjacent the door 2a.
- the device 1 is configured for automatically sloping, both during the initial step of opening the door 2 and during the final step of closing the door 2, the door 2 with respect to the door 2a along an axis substantially parallel to the depth of the wardrobe 3.
- Such further slope of the door 2 is for slightly lifting the door 2 (this lifting step is useful particularly during the step of opening the door 2, for engaging the second sliding or rolling element 5" with the second portion 6" of the guide or track 6 and, during the step of closing the door 2, for disengaging the second sliding or rolling element 5" from the second portion 6" of the guide or track 6, as it will be better described in the following).
- the device 1, according to the present invention uses a mechanism 9 adapted to enable to switch from the closed position of the door 2 to the open position of the door 2, and from the open position of the door 2 to the closed position of the door 2.
- the mechanism 9 has also the function of supporting the bar 4 in the closed condition of the door 2, by enabling a substantial parallel condition between the bar 4 and edge 8 of the top 7 of the wardrobe 3, and by consequently enabling the coplanarity between the doors 2 and 2a (as is better visible in Figure 2 ).
- the mechanism 9 supports the bar 4 portions adjacent the second sliding or rolling element 5" by means of the mechanism 9 compensates the configuration of the outline of the guide or track 6 which is generally concave and which otherwise would jeopardize the coplanarity between the doors 2 and 2a. Therefore, the mechanism 9, supporting the bar 4 in the closed condition of the door 2, enables (as opposed to the technical solution disclosed in patent US 7,647,728 , for example) to avoid installing two distinct guides or tracks on the top 7 of the wardrobe 3, and therefore avoid managing the beforehand discussed following inconveniences.
- Figure 3 in the detached position of the door 2, which occurs, for example, in the first step of opening the door 2, the bar 4, which until now was stopped by the mechanism 9, is released by any constrains to the mechanism 9 and is capable of following the trajectory set by the guide or track 6.
- the bar 4 in the open position of door 2, the bar 4 is not constrained to the mechanism 9, which is held in the same configuration of Figure 3 , in order to be ready to receive the bar 4 during the following switching from the open position of door 2 to the closed position of door 2.
- At least one appendage preferably disposed in proximity of the second sliding or rolling element 5", is rigidly applied.
- at least one seat for housing such appendage, is made.
- the bar 4 is at least partially supported by the mechanism 9 and is disposed so that the first sliding or rolling element 5' and the second sliding or rolling element 5" are substantially at the same distance from the edge 8.
- the mechanism 9 is configured for being capable of generating, both when switching from the closed position of door 2 to the open position of door 2, and when switching from the open position of the door 2 to the closed position of door 2, a rotation of the bar 4 about an axis transversal to it, optionally substantially normal.
- the bar 4 follows a predefined trajectory during such rotation, along all the trajectory described by the bar 4, the distance between the second sliding or rolling element 5" and the edge 8 being never greater than the distance between the first sliding or rolling element 5' and the edge 8.
- the mechanism 9 is configured also for being capable of generating, both when switching from the closed position of the door 2 to the open position of the door 2, and when switching from the open position of the door 2 to the closed position of the door 2, a slight rotation of the bar 4 about a different axis, in order to enable the second sliding or rolling element 5" to engage or disengage the second portion 6" of the guide or track 6.
- the mechanism 9, in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, is represented in all the figures attached to the present description, especially in Figures 17 and 18 both representing an exploded view of the mechanism 9, respectively with a top axonometric view and with a bottom axonometric view.
- the mechanism 9 comprises three main elements which can be made of a plastic material or metal material: a stationary structure 70 and two movable members 80 and 90 constrained to the stationary structure 70, so that the first movable element 80 has one translational degree of freedom with respect to the stationary structure 70, while the second movable element 90 has a rotational degree of freedom with respect to the stationary structure 70.
- the stationary structure 70 is adapted to be fixed (preferably by screws) to the top 7 of the wardrobe 3, particularly at a distance from the edge 8, greater than the distance between the guide or track 6 and the edge 8.
- the stationary structure 70 has a configuration such to enable the movable members 80 and 90 to be suitably constrained to it.
- the stationary structure 70 comprises a substantially quadrangular-shaped body on which seats, openings, flanges, edges, projections, outlines, depressions and similar are integrally made or are rigidly connected.
- the first movable element 80 consists also in a quadrangular-shaped body on which elements such as seats, openings, flanges, edges, projections, outlines, depressions, and similar are integrally made or are rigidly connected.
- the first movable element 80 has a width similar to the one of the stationary structure 70 and a depth suitably smaller than the one of the stationary structure 70 (such depth difference affects also the distance between the door 2 and wardrobe 3 in the open position of the door 2, as it will be better understood in the following).
- the first movable element 80 is constrained to the stationary structure 70 in order to be capable of freely translating with respect to the stationary structure 70, along a direction transversal, optionally substantially normal, to the edge 8.
- the first movable element 80 is advantageously provided with at least one series of rolls rolling on the base surface of the stationary structure 70, and is guided, when sliding, by its lateral walls optionally provided with further series of rolls, which are held adjacent to the internal surfaces of lateral profiles integral with the stationary structure 70.
- the rear wall of the stationary structure 70 acts then as a stop element for the displacements of the stationary structure away from the edge 8 of the top 7 of the wardrobe 3.
- the lateral profiles of this latter are suitably folded inwardly, in order to obtain a pair of seats extending depthwise into the stationary structure 70, in which are received lateral portions of the first movable element 80, correspondingly extending and obtained by reducing the height of the first movable element 80.
- the first movable element 80 since is constrained to the stationary structure 70 for being capable of freely translating along the depth of the stationary structure 70, can take a retracted position at the closed position of door 2 and an extracted position at the open position of the door 2, the distance between the first movable element 80 and edge 8 in the retracted position of the first movable element 80 being greater than the distance between the first movable element 80 and edge 8 in the extracted position of the first movable element 80.
- the mechanism 9 comprises at least one first spring applied between the first movable element 80 and the stationary structure 70.
- first springs 81' and 81" are applied between the first movable element 80 and the stationary structure 70.
- the first springs 81' and 81" extend along the depth of the stationary structure 70, each being hooked to the first movable element 80 and to the rear wall of the stationary structure 70.
- the mechanism 9 comprises at least one damper 81 applied between the first movable element 80 and the stationary structure 70, particularly between the first movable element 80 and the stationary structure 70, substantially parallel to the first spring.
- the second movable element 90 consists in a body having substantially the shape of a circular sector (suitably reinforced by ribs, especially when is made of plastic material) and disposed substantially parallel to the stationary structure 70.
- the second movable element 90 is suitably positioned at a lateral region of the stationary structure 70, particularly the lateral region of the stationary structure 70 which is located farther from the first portion 6' of the guide or track 6 when the stationary structure 70 is mounted on the top 7.
- the second movable element 90 is capable of rotating with respect to the stationary structure 70, about an axis transversal, optionally substantially normal, to the base surface of the stationary structure 70, and consequently transversal, optionally substantially normal, to the top 7 of said wardrobe 3. For this reason, suitable means in the second movable element 90 and/or in the stationary structure 70, such as pins, holes and similar, are provided.
- the rotation of the second movable element 90 with respect to the stationary structure 70 is such to locate the second movable element 90 in a retracted position at the closed position of the door 2 and in an extracted position at the open position of the door 2, the distance between the second movable element 90 and the edge 8 in the retracted position of the second movable element 90 being greater than the distance between the second movable element 90 and the edge 8 in the extracted position of the second movable element 90.
- the mechanism 9 advantageously comprises a second spring 91 applied between the second movable element 90 and the stationary structure 70.
- the ends of the second spring 91 are respectively hooked to an arm integral with the stationary structure 70, and to a boss integral with the second movable element 90 and made in this latter in an eccentric position.
- Such recess is adapted to house the second spring 91 when the second movable element 90 is in the retracted position thereof.
- the second movable element 90 is disposed above the first movable element 80, therefore this latter being interposed between the second movable element 90 and the top 7 of the wardrobe 3.
- the present invention is not considered to be limited in this way, indeed, in a viable embodiment alternative to the one shown in the figures, the second movable element 90 can be possibly interposed between the first movable element 80 and the top 7.
- the rotation of the second movable element 90 from the extracted position to the retracted position or from the retracted position to the extracted position causes, along the depth of the stationary structure 70 (therefore transversal, optionally normal, to the door 2) a positional change of a peripheral portion of the second movable element 90 which has the same magnitude as the stroke required to the first movable element 80 for translating from the extracted position thereof to the retracted position thereof or from the retracted position thereof to the extracted position thereof.
- the movable members 80 and 90 are both provided with own means for interfacing with the bar 4, configured for implementing a kinematic system with which both the first movable element 80 and the second movable element 90 cooperate.
- the purpose of such kinematic system consists of enabling the mechanism 9 to switch between the condition wherein the mechanism 9 supports the bar 4, by retaining it in a position so that the door 2 is held closed, and the condition wherein the mechanism 9 does not constrain the movement of the bar 4 (so that the door 2 can be taken to an open condition), but is held anyway in a position so that it is predisposed to receive the bar 4 for consequently closing the door 2.
- Such kinematic system causes the movable members 80 and 90 to be located both in the respective retracted position in the closed condition of the door 2, and in the respective extracted position in the open condition of the door 2.
- engaging the bar 4 with the movable members 80 and 90 occurs by means of projections 4' and 4" integral with the bar 4 which engage or disengage from grooves 82 and 92 made on the first movable element 90 and on the second movable element 90 respectively, such grooves 82 and 92 being configured for being substantially disposed aligned with each other when the door 2 is in an open position and transversal to each other when the door 2 is in an open position and transversal to each other, optionally substantially normal to each other, when the door 2 is in a closed position. Switching the reciprocal orientation between the grooves 82 and 92 is made possible by the rotational degree of freedom with respect to the stationary structure 70, with which the second movable element 90 is provided.
- rotating the second movable element 90 is adapted to enable to change the orientation of the second groove 92 with respect to the first groove 82 when the door 2 switches from the closed position to the open position and/or when the door 2 switches from the open position to the closed position, the second groove 92 being substantially disposed parallel to the first groove 82 when the first movable element 80 and second movable element 90 are both located in the respective extracted position, the second groove 92 being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to the first groove 82 when the first movable element 80 and second movable element 90 are both in the respective extracted position.
- the above cited appendage of the bar 4 is capable of translating both along the first groove 82, and along the second groove 92 and describing generally a roto-translational trajectory with respect to the stationary structure 70.
- the first groove 82 is made on the first movable element 80 with a configuration so that it develops substantially parallel to the edge 8, while the second groove 92 is made on the second movable element 90 with a configuration so that it develops substantially tangent to the rotation axis of the second movable element 90.
- the respective configurations of the grooves 82 and 92 are adapted to enable, the appendage of the bar 4 to be housed, in the closed position of the door 2, both in the first groove 82, and in the second groove 92.
- the appendage abuts against the bottom 83 of the first groove 82 and/or the bottom 93 of the second groove 92 when the first movable element 80 and second movable element 90 are both in the respective retracted position.
- the bar 4 comprises a first projection 4', destined to be housed in the first groove 82, and a second projection 4", destined to be housed in the second groove 92.
- the first projection 4' and second projection 4" are substantially coaxial to each other, the axis being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to the top 7 of the wardrobe 3, and projects from opposite faces of a connecting plate 40 rigidly connected to the bar 4.
- the first groove 82 is obtained by making a longitudinal boss, particularly shaped as a "U", on the upper surface of the first movable element 90.
- Such boss substantially develops along the width of the first member 80 and is closed in the direction facing the first portion 6' of the guide or track 7, and is open in the opposite direction.
- the first groove 82 develops along a straight line. It is also possible that the first groove 82 develops, on the contrary, along a curvilinear trajectory.
- the first projection 4' of the bar 4 moves along the first groove 82, the movement thereof being guided by the lateral walls of the boss which defines the first groove 82, until it stops when such first projection 4' abuts against the bottom 83 of the first groove 82.
- the first projection 4' when it slides along the first groove 82, is kept in contact with the base surface 84 of the first groove 82. In this way, it is possible to change the level at which the first projection 4' is located when slides along the first groove 82, for lifting and/or lowering the bar 4, by sloping the base surface 84 or at least part of it with respect to a reference plane substantially parallel to the top 7 of the wardrobe 3.
- the bar 4 is enabled to be slightly lifted for allowing the second sliding or rolling element 5" to be engaged on or disengaged from the guide or track 6, for example, particularly from the second portion 6". Since the engagement and disengagement of the second sliding or rolling element 5" occurs simultaneously with the final step of sliding the first projection 4' along the first groove 82 and the disengagement simultaneously with the initial step of sliding the first projection 4' along the first groove 82, it is particularly advantageous to slope the base surface 84 with respect to the top 7 at the area of the first groove 82 farther from the bottom 83.
- the base surface 84 comprises at least one first portion 85 and one second portion 86, the second portion 86 being interposed between the first portion 85 and the bottom 83 of the first groove 82.
- the second portion 86 is substantially parallel to the top 7, while the first portion 85 is slightly sloped with respect to the second portion 86, such slope occurring towards or away from the top 7.
- the second portion 86 has an extension comprised between the extension of the first portion 85 and twice the extension of the first portion 85.
- the second groove 92 is obtained by shaping the second movable element 90 in order to make, on a lateral surface of the second movable element 90, a longitudinal lead-in particularly shaped as an "U".
- the second groove 92 develops along a straight line.
- the second groove 92 can also develop along a curvilinear trajectory, particularly along an arc of a circle, wherein the center coincides substantially with the rotation pin of the second movable element 90.
- the second projection 4" of the bar 4 follows the second groove 92 since its movement is guided by the lateral walls of the cavity defining the second groove 82, until it stops at the instant in which such second projection 4" abuts against the bottom of the second groove 92.
- the second groove 92 has an extension smaller than the one of the first groove 82.
- the mechanism 9 comprises hooking means 20 having the function of holding the first movable element 80 in the respective extracted position, without further actions and/or constrains. Therefore, the hooking means 20 are useful for countering the return force exerted on the first movable element 80 by the first springs 81' and 81". Since the first movable element 80 remains in the respective extracted position, the first groove 82 consequently is disposed in a position wherein is ready to receive the first projection 4' for closing the door 2.
- the hooking means 20 or a plurality of components of such hooking means 20 have a symmetric shape.
- abutment surface 77 is rigidly connected to the stationary structure 70.
- the abutment surface 77 is disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to the top and is substantially parallel to the edge 8.
- it is made in one piece with the stationary structure 70, for example by suitably deep drawing the base surface of the stationary structure 70.
- two abutment surfaces are made on the stationary structure 70.
- a lever 31 is articulated to the first movable element 80, the lever 31 developing along the depth of the first movable element 80 and advantageously having a symmetric shape.
- the lever 31 comprises at least one first portion 32 and one second portion 33.
- the distance between the first portion 32 of the lever 31 and the edge 8 is greater than the distance between the second portion 33 of the lever 31 and the edge 8.
- At least one pin 30 is applied to the first portion 31 while, at least one protrusion 34 (particularly, a pair of protrusions disposed symmetrically to each other) adapted to abut against the abutment surface 71 in the extracted position of the first movable element 80, is applied to the second portion 33.
- At least one seat 87 is made in the first movable element 80, for housing the pin 30 of the lever 31 according to an arrangement so that the rotation axis of the pin 30 in the seat 87, is substantially disposed parallel to the edge 8.
- the position of the seat 87 in the first movable element 80 is such to make the distance of the pin 30 of the lever 31 from the top 7, greater than the distance of the abutment surface 77 of the stationary structure 70 from the top 7.
- the hooking means 20 comprise a third spring 21, a first end 21' of the third spring 21 being applied to the first movable element 80 and a second end 21" of the third spring 21 being applied to the lever 31 in order to thrust each protrusion 34 against the respective abutment surface 71 when the first movable element 80 is located in its own extracted position. Due to this action exerted by the third spring 21, the stability of the position of the first movable element 80 in the extracted location thereof, is substantially improved. Such position can be made more stable, by providing, adjacent to each abutment surface 71, a respective folded edge acting as a lead-in for each protrusion 34, which makes easier to correctly position it.
- the third spring 21, for exerting its action is applied at a point of the lever 31 positioned at a distance from the top 7, less than the distance of the pin 30 from the top 7.
- the third spring 21, in order to bolster the pulling action on the lever 31 without substantially increasing the size, is folded until it takes, between the first end 21' and second end 21", a substantially "U" shape.
- a housing for the third spring 21 is made on the first movable element 80, adjacent the seat 87, such housing being particularly delimited by a pair of containing walls extending along the depth of the first movable element 80.
- the hooking means 20 further comprise at least one sliding surface 71 rigidly connected to the stationary structure 70 and adapted to guide with a suitable precision, the displacements of the lever 31 when the door 2 switches from the closed position to the open position and when the door 2 switches from the open position to the closed position.
- the sliding surface 71 is disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to the abutment surface 77 and is substantially parallel to the top 7.
- two sliding surfaces, substantially equal and slightly distanced from each other, are made on the stationary structure 70, each abutment surface 71 being adjacent the respective abutment surface 77.
- each protrusion 34 of the lever 31 slides along the respective sliding surface 71.
- At least a further protrusion can project from the first portion 32 of the lever 31 for better supporting the lever 31.
- Such further protrusion slides along the sliding surface 71 when the first movable element 80 slides with respect to the stationary structure 70 and is kept in contact with the sliding surface 71 until the protrusion 34 reaches the abutment surface 77.
- each sliding surface 71 and the respective abutment surface 77 is radiused.
- each sliding surface 71 by making it in one piece with the stationary structure 70.
- each sliding surface 71 and each abutment surface 77 are integral to a kind of an enclosure, acting also as a container for the lever 31 and for the third spring 21, such enclosure being rigidly connected (for example by welding) to the stationary structure 70.
- the second sliding or rolling element 5" should engage or disengage the second portion 6" of the guide or track 6, herein it is given a configuration for such second sliding or rolling element 5" which is particularly adapted for such engagement and disengagement.
- the following configuration can be recognized as an invention, since such configuration is useable not only for making the second sliding or rolling element 5" inside the device 1, but also for different devices and for different objects.
- the second sliding or rolling element 5" has an axisymmetric shape and consequently is shaped as a roll, capable of rolling along the guide or track 6. Particularly, the configuration of the second sliding or rolling element 5" does not provide any symmetry plane normal to the rotation axis. More specifically, the second sliding or rolling element 5" comprises a first shoulder 50', a recess 51 and a second shoulder 50", the recess 51 being made between the first shoulder 50' and second shoulder 50".
- the first shoulder 50' of the second sliding or rolling element 5" is destined to come in contact with the side of the guide or track 6 nearer to the edge 8, while the second shoulder 50" of the second sliding or rolling element 5" is the one destined to come in contact with the side of the guide or track 6 farther from the edge 8.
- the first shoulder 50' is shorter (particularly has a smaller diameter) than the second shoulder 50". In this way, the first shoulder 50' can (particularly by simultaneously slightly lifting the bar 4 by means of the mechanism 9) more easily bypass the obstacle represented by the guide or track 6.
- the corner between the first shoulder 50' and recess 51 is suitably radiused, as is clearly visible in Figure 7 , for example.
- the second shoulder 50" of the second sliding or rolling element 5" since it has a diameter greater than the one of the first shoulder 50', ensures an extensive contact with the side of the guide or the track 6 farther from the edge 8 and therefore ensures the bar 4 to accurately slide along the guide or track 6.
- first sliding or rolling element 5' it can be analogous to the second sliding or rolling element 5" (so that the components of the device 1 can be advantageously standardized), or can be different from it.
- first sliding or rolling element 5' can be shaped as a roll, both shoulders being extended for ensuring to stably position the same on the guide or track 6.
- the door 2, in the closed position, is in contact with the wardrobe 3 and is disposed adjacently to the other door 2a.
- the bar 4 is substantially oriented parallel to the edge 8.
- the second sliding or rolling element 5" is disengaged from the guide or track 6, on the other hand, the first sliding or rolling element 5' is engaged with the first portion 6' of the guide or track 6.
- the movable members 80 and 90 are both disposed in the respective retracted position, in which, the grooves 82 and 92 of the movable members 80 and 90 are positioned transversally to each other. Since the projections 4' and 4" abuts against the bottoms of the respective grooves 82 and 92, the bar 4 is prevented from moving with respect to the mechanism 9.
- the elastic force exerted by the first springs 81' and 81" of the first movable element 80 ensures the bar 4 to be stably held in position, while the elastic force exerted by the second spring 91 is not capable of actuating the second movable element 90.
- the hooking means 20 are disposed in their rest configuration.
- the projections 4' and 4" (rigidly connected to the bar 4 and therefore subjected to the same pulling force) thrust the first movable element 80 to advance towards the second portion 6" of the guide or track 6, since the elastic force exerted by the first springs 81' and 81" prevails.
- the hooking means 20 advance along the sliding surface 71 still in an inactive condition.
- the second movable element 90 subjected to the action of the elastic force of the second spring 91, rotates about the pin thereof on the stationary structure 70 and in turn advances coordinately with the first movable element 80, since this latter is indirectly constrained by means of the bar 4.
- Rotating the second movable element 90 causes the first projection 4' to ascend along the groove 82, by moving from the second portion 86 to the first portion 85 and therefore progressively increasing the level thereof.
- the grooves 82 and 92 of the movable members 80 and 90 attain the reciprocal orientation by which they are substantially aligned with each other. Therefore, the projections 4' and 4" can disengage from the respective grooves 82 and 92 along the substantially common orientation direction, such direction being substantially parallel to the edge 8.
- the movable members 80 and 90 remain both in the respective extracted position.
- the constrain implemented by the hooking means 20 consequently prevails against the elastic force exerted by the first springs 81' and 81" and therefore makes stable the position of the first movable element 80, while the elastic force exerted by the second spring 91 makes stable the position of the second movable element 90.
- the bar 4 slightly changes the level thereof due to the slope of the first portion 85 of the base surface 84 of the first groove 82.
- the second sliding or rolling element 5" almost simultaneously disengages the second portion 6" of the guide or track 6, while the first sliding or rolling element 5' attains the first portion 6' of the guide or track 6.
- the hooking means 20 are no more operative and the first movable element 80 can return towards the retracted position thereof, by moving away from the edge 8 by the elastic force of the first springs 81' and 81".
- the damper 81 activates itself for suitably slowing the speed of the first movable element 80.
- the second movable element 90 can return towards the retracted position, by overcoming the opposite elastic force exerted by the second spring 91. After rotating the second movable element 90, the grooves 82 and 92 return in a position transversal to each other.
- the movement of the movable members 80 and 90 end when they attain the respective retracted position, when the door 2 comes in contact with the wardrobe 3 and is located adjacent the other door 2a.
- the present invention fulfills the proposed objects and obtains important advantages.
- the device ensures accurate opening and closing movements of the door by a structure which is more simple and compact than the ones of the prior art.
- the discussed device is sturdy, reliable, and inexpensive and can be easily mounted to wardrobes of different size.
- the device for moving sliding doors according to the present invention, is particularly suitable for being reliably used when combined with very heavy doors, weighing more than 100 kg.
- the device in question enables to avoid any interferences of the door itself with other portions of the wardrobe.
- the present invention fully meets all the objects for which it was devised.
- the provision of the mechanism 9, which makes possible to install a single guide or track 6 for moving both the doors 2 and 2a, enables to obtain very substantial benefits with reference to the cost-efficiency of the technical solution, and to the simplicity of the components assemblage.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Support Devices For Sliding Doors (AREA)
- Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
- Cabinets, Racks, Or The Like Of Rigid Construction (AREA)
Description
- The object of the present invention is a device for moving sliding doors, particularly for moving doors of a wardrobe which, when the wardrobe is in a closed position, are aligned and juxtaposed in a same plane and, in an open position, lie parallel and overlapped on each other.
- Known devices which implement this type of movement are disclosed in patent
EP 1 613 831 , patentUS 4,704,819 , patent applicationWO 2010/095029 and patentUS 7,647,728 , for example. - The device of patent
EP 1 613 831 comprises, for each sliding door, a bracket integrally constrained to the respective door at an upper edge of the same. Two longitudinal trolleys are slidable on a profile disposed along all the width of the furniture which support the doors. A small trolley is mounted to each of the longitudinal trolleys, which can slide on the respective trolley in a direction substantially transversal to the profile and is integral with the door. Moreover, the small trolleys are guided by means of respective idle rolls along recesses or cams developing along the profile, and exhibit curved portions. - The device of patent
US 4,704,819 comprises a pair of rolls integral with a door, and sliding inside a guide integral with the furniture. The roll positioned towards the shoulder of the furniture, remains always inside said guide, while the other roll in the closed position of the door is outside the guide and is constrained, by a hook, to a pin supported by an arm hinged to a block integral with the furniture. When opening the door, a portion of the same is firstly extracted normal to the guide with a movement guided by the roll and arm. The arm rotates until it moves the roll into the guide and then releases it. Now, both the rolls slide in the guide 1 together with the door. - The device of the patent application
WO 2010/095029 comprises a rectilinear guide mountable along the width of a compartment closable by a door. A first trolley, slidingly movable along the rectilinear guide, is connected to a connecting element integrally constrainable to the door; an auxiliary trolley is mounted on the first trolley and freely slides, with respect to the first trolley, along a direction transversal to the rectilinear guide. The auxiliary trolley is connected to a connecting element integrally constrainable to the door. Moreover, the device comprises an auxiliary guide exhibiting a rectilinear portion substantially parallel to the rectilinear guide and an end portion developing transversally to the rectilinear portion. The auxiliary trolley is guided by the auxiliary guide. A second trolley is slidingly movable along a rectilinear guide. The device described in the patent applicationWO 2010/095029 moreover comprises a rotating arm hinged on the second trolley and exhibiting an end hinged to the connecting element, the rotating arm being movable between a first position, wherein it lies substantially aligned with the rectilinear guide, and a second position, wherein it lies transversally to the rectilinear guide. - The device of patent
US 7,647,728 comprises a bracket which makes a panel of a sliding door integral with a pair of small trolleys mounted on respective trolleys and having the possibility of translating longitudinally with respect to such trolleys. The trolleys in turn can translate along a track, in order to be capable of sweeping the opening of a compartment and closing or opening it by means of such panel. While the trolleys move along the track, the small trolleys move along the path of a cam guide to which they are engaged. The track and cam guide are longitudinally coaxial. - Document
JP4200468B1 - The above described devices, despite being capable of ensuring suitable opening and closing movements of the doors, by holding them coplanar in the closed position, are not devoid of problems, particularly with reference, for example, to the complexity of the mechanisms themselves and to their inherent cost. Moreover, the same are sized for supporting heavy doors by ensuring at the same time always an optimal operability over time.
- However, the known mechanisms are bulky and oversized and therefore they are unsuitable for structures of articles of furniture which are lighter and/or simpler.
- Therefore, despite the known mechanisms move accurately and smoothly in the opening and closing steps, and are safe, user-friendly, and rugged, they are not simple and compact and are very pricey so that their use with reference to inexpensive articles of furniture is substantially limited.
- Further, the same devices of the prior art can be also simplified with reference to the components and kinematics of the opening movement while keeping unaltered the precision and smoothness of the opening and closing movements.
- Further, such known devices of the prior art exhibit the problem of being too complex for a simple maintenance and are expensive to be repaired when they fail. Referring particularly to the technical solutions of the patent application
WO 2010/095029 and patentUS 7,647,728 , it is then observed that they both require to install a pair of guides or tracks on the top of the furniture with coplanar doors, so that it is necessary, when assembling the movement device of each door, to simultaneously perform two adjustments, with the consequent evident inconveniences with reference to: the intricacy of the assemblage, the susceptibility of positioning defects which impair, over time, a smooth movement of the doors, and the time required for assembling. - In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention consists of providing a device for moving sliding doors which is simple and relatively not expensive and capable of moving the respective door along a predefined path in an extremely accurate and smooth way.
- A further object of the present invention consists of providing a device for moving sliding doors which, during the movement of the door, prevents any interferences between the different moving elements.
- It is also an object of the invention to provide a precise mechanism which enables to open and close doors which can also be very thick by holding them juxtaposed and very near to each other when the furniture is closed.
- A further object of the present invention consists of providing a device for moving sliding doors which can be adapted to articles of furniture of different sizes, from wardrobes, also of large size, to medium-sized structures, such as kitchen cupboards or similar.
- Then, an object of the present invention consists of providing a structurally simple, compact and rugged device which is as much as possible modular so that it can adapt to any size of wardrobe/kitchen cupboard/hanging.
- A further object of the present invention consists of providing a device for moving doors of a wardrobe with coplanar doors, which is particularly economical and particularly simple to be assembled and to be operated.
- The defined technical task and the specified objects are substantially met by a device for moving sliding doors and by a wardrobe, comprising the technical characteristics disclosed in one or more of the attached claims.
- According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one elastic element, such as a first spring, can be applied between said first movable element (80) and said stationary structure (70), preferably at least two first springs (81', 81") being applied between said first movable element (80) and said stationary structure (70), wherein said first elastic element is adapted to thrust said first movable element (80) towards its own retracted position.
- Preferably, at least one damper (81) is applied between said first movable element (80) and said stationary structure (70), wherein said damper (81) is adapted to slow said first movable element (80) during the translations towards its own retracted position.
- Preferably, at least one second spring (91) is applied between said second movable element (90) and said stationary structure (70), said second spring (91) is adapted to thrust said second movable element (80) towards its own extracted position. Preferably, on said first movable element (80) a first groove (82) is made, said first groove (82) developing substantially parallel to said edge (8), and wherein on said second movable element (90) a second groove (92) is made, said second groove (92) developing substantially tangent to the rotation axis of said second movable element (90), said appendage of said bar (4) being housed, in said closed position of said door (2), both in said first groove (82), and in said second groove (92).
- Preferably, said appendage comprises a first projection (4') adapted to be housed, in said closed position of said door (2), in said first groove (82) and a second projection (4") adapted to be housed, in said closed position of said door (2), in said second groove (92), said first projection (4') and said second projection (4") being substantially coaxial to each other, the axis being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to said top (7) of said article of furniture (3), and projecting from opposite faces of a connecting plate (40) of said appendage to said bar (4).
- Preferably, the rotation of said second movable element (90) is adapted to enable a change of the orientation of said second groove (92) with respect to said first groove (82) during the switching from said closed position of said door (2) to said open position of said door (2) and/or during the switching from said open position of said door (2) to said closed position of said door (2), said second groove (92) being disposed substantially parallel to said first groove (82) when said first movable element (80) and said second movable element (90) are both in the respective extracted position, said second groove (92) being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to said first groove (82) when said first movable element (80) and said second movable element (90) are both in the respective retracted position.
- Preferably, during the switching from said closed position of said door (2) to said open position of said door (2) and/or during the switching from said open position of said door (2) to said closed position of said door (2), said appendage of said bar (4) is capable of translating both along said first groove (82) and along said second groove (92), and of generally describing a roto-translating trajectory with respect to said stationary structure (70).
- Preferably, said appendage abuts against the bottom (83) of said first groove (82) and/or the bottom (93) of said second groove (92) when said first movable element (80) and said second movable element (90) are both in the respective retracted position.
- Preferably, said first groove (82) is configured for exhibiting a base surface (84), said base surface (84) comprising at least one first portion (85) and one second portion (86), said second portion (86) being interposed between said first portion (85) and the bottom (83) of said first groove (82), said second portion (86) being substantially parallel to said top (7) of said article of furniture (3), and said first portion (85) being slightly sloped with respect to said second portion (86).
- Preferably, said second portion (86) has an extension comprised between the extension of said first portion (85) and twice the extension of said first portion (85).
- Preferably, to said stationary structure (70) and/or to said first movable element (80) hooking means (20) adapted to hold said first movable element (80) in the respective retracted position are applied, for particularly overcoming the return force exerted by said first elastic element.
- Preferably, said hooking means (20) comprise:
- at least an abutment surface (77) rigidly connected to said stationary structure (70), said abutment surface (77) being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to said top (7) of said article of furniture (3) and substantially parallel to said edge (8) and being preferably made in one piece with said stationary structure (70);
- at least one lever (31) articulated to said first movable element (80), said lever (31) comprising at least one first portion (32) and one second portion (33), to said first portion (32) at least one pin (30) being applied, and to said second portion (33) at least one protrusion (34) adapted to abut against said abutment surface (71) in said extracted position of said first movable element (80), being applied, and
- at least one seat (87) made in said first movable element (80), said pin (30) of said lever (31) being adapted to be housed in said seat (87) according to an arrangement so that the rotation axis of said pin (30) in said seat (87) is substantially parallel to said edge (8).
- Preferably, the distance of said pin (30) from said top (7) of said article of furniture (3) is greater than the distance of said abutment surface (77) from said top (7) of said article of furniture (3).
- Preferably, said hooking means (20) further comprise a third spring (21), a first end (21') of said third spring (21) being applied to said first movable element (80) and a second end (21") of said third spring (21) being applied to said lever (31) for thrusting said protrusion (34) against said abutment surface (71) when said first movable element (80) is in its own extracted position.
- Preferably, the distance between the application point of said third spring (21) on said lever (31) and said top (7) of said article of furniture (3) is less than the distance of said pin (30) from said top (7) of said article of furniture (3).
- Preferably, said hooking means (20) further comprise at least one sliding surface (71) adapted to be contacted by said lever (31), particularly by said protrusion (34), during the switching from said closed position of said door (2) to said open position of said door (2) and during the switching from said open position of said door (2) to said closed position of said door (2), said sliding surface (71) being rigidly connected to said stationary structure (70) and being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to said abutment surface (77) and substantially parallel to said top (7) of said article of furniture (3), said sliding surface (71) being preferably made in one piece with said stationary structure (70), wherein said sliding surface (71) is adjacent said abutment surface (77), the corner between said sliding surface (71) and said abutment surface (77) being preferably radiused.
- Preferably, said sliding or rolling element (5") has an axisymmetric shape and comprises a first shoulder (50'), a recess (51) and a second shoulder (50"), said recess (51) being interposed between said first shoulder (50') and said second shoulder (50"), said first shoulder (50') being adapted to contact the side of said guide or track (6) nearer said edge (8) and said second shoulder (50") being adapted to contact the side of said guide or track (6) farther from said edge (8), wherein said first shoulder (50') has a smaller extension than said second shoulder (50"), the corner between said second shoulder (50") and said recess (51) being preferably radiused.
- Preferably, the device further comprises a bracket (15) adapted to rigidly connect said bar (4) to said door (2), said bracket (15) being applied to said bar (4) in proximity of said first sliding or rolling element (5'). Preferably, said bracket (15) comprises an intermediate portion (18) adapted to hold said door (2) at a predetermined distance from said bar (4), at least part of said intermediate portion (18) being configured for having a depth greater than the thickness of said door (2) and a width less than half the width of said door (2) and for being disposed at a level greater than the one of said door (2). Preferably, said first portion (6') of said guide or track (6) has a substantially "S" shape, the inflection being particularly positioned at half said first portion (6') of said guide or track (6) . A preferred embodiment of the invention refers to an article of furniture (3), such as a wardrobe or a kitchen cupboard or a hanging, comprising:
- a first door (2);
- a second door (2a);
- a first device (1) for moving a sliding door; and
- a second device (1a) for moving a sliding door, wherein said first device (1) connects said first door (2) to said article of furniture (3) and wherein said second device (1a) connects said second door (2a) to said article of furniture (3), said first device (1) and/or said second device (1a) being according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said first door (2) being particularly symmetric to said second door (2a) with respect to the mid plane of said article of furniture (3) and said first device (1) being particularly symmetric to said second device (1a) with respect to a mid plane of said article of furniture (3); and wherein said first device (1) and said second device (1a) share the same guide or track (6), said guide or track (6) being particularly symmetric to a mid-plane of said article of furniture (3) .
- Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will better appear from the illustrative and therefore non-limiting description of two improving but non-excluding embodiments of a device for moving sliding doors, as illustrated in the attached drawings, wherein:
-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wardrobe with sliding doors, provided with a device according to the invention, such wardrobe being particularly provided with a pair of devices according to the invention; - Figures from 2 to 4 illustrate a scaled-up portion of the top of the wardrobe in
Figure 1 , the device, according to the present invention, being, in these figures, respectively in the closed condition of the door, when the door is going to be opened and when the door is completely open; - Figures from 5 to 16 are detailed axonometric or cross-section views of a mechanism of the device according to the present invention, with different configurations corresponding to different positions of the door with respect to such mechanism;
-
Figures 17 and18 are exploded views of the mechanism in Figures from 5 to 16, and -
Figure 19 is a plan view of a scaled-up portion of the top of the wardrobe inFigure 1 , as it appears in the completely open condition of the door. - Referring to the attached figures, reference number 3 generally indicates an article of furniture, and particularly a wardrobe or a kitchen cupboard or a hanging. In the following, for the sake of simplicity it is made reference to a wardrobe, however it is understood that the device is not only limited to this article.
- Generally, the article of furniture 3 is provided with two sliding
doors doors door 2 is movable by means of the device 1, between an aligned position coplanar with theother door 2a (as illustrated inFigure 2 ), when the compartment of the wardrobe 3 is arranged in a completely closed condition, and an overlapped position with respect to theother door 2a (as illustrated inFigure 4 ), when the compartment of the wardrobe 3 corresponding to thedoor 2 is opened. Thedoors door 2 and device 1, must be intended valid also for thedoor 2a and device 1a. - The devices 1 and 1a are mounted or mountable to the
top 7 of the wardrobe 3 and therefore are particularly disposed as a mirror-image of each other with respect to a symmetry plane of the wardrobe 3 itself, such symmetry plane particularly coinciding with the mid vertical plane of the wardrobe 3, disposed substantially normal to thedoors - The devices 1 and 1a comprise a guide or
track 6 mountable to the top 7 along the width of the wardrobe 3 compartment. Such guide ortrack 6 is configured for being used for defining the opening and closing trajectories of thedoor 2, and comprise a first substantially curvilinear portion 6' extending towards the edge 8 of the top 7, and a second substantiallyrectilinear portion 6", which advantageously develops immediately at the end of the first portion 6' and is radiused with it, in order to prevent from forming unsuitably sharp edges along the path of the guide ortrack 6. - The path of the guide or
track 6 is clearly visible inFigure 19 , wherein particularly one can appreciate the "S" shape of the first portion 6', such shape particularly exhibiting the inflection at half of its extension. - With reference to the cost-effectiveness and simplicity of the components, and with reference to the speed and reliability of the assembling process, it is advantageous that the devices 1 and 1a share the same guide or
track 6 and, additionally, that such shared guide ortrack 6 is symmetric with respect to the midplane of the wardrobe 3. Therefore, such shared guide ortrack 6 is formed by a pair of first portions 6' connected to each other by thesecond portion 6", the first portions 6' being advantageously a mirror-image of each other with respect to the midplane of the wardrobe 3. - Advantageously, the guide or
track 6 is made by a single profile (for example of metal material or plastic material) suitably shaped or by a plurality of profiles disposed one following the other: for example, the guide ortrack 6 can be obtained by arranging adjacently to each other a first profile suitable for forming the first portion 6' and a second profile suitable for forming thesecond portion 6". - According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, at first the shared guide or
track 6 is manufactured by making a pair of curvilinear profiles integral with a pair of plates, then such plates are fixed (by screws, for example) to the top 7 and in remote (and preferably specular) positions with respect to the mid plane of the wardrobe 3, so that then each curvilinear profile is adapted to act as a first portion 6', and to the top 7 a rectilinear profile adapted to act as asecond portion 6" between the two curvilinear profiles, is applied, advantageously by constraining it to these latter. - It is noteworthy to point out that the technical solution using a shared guide or track enables per se to obtain substantial benefits, most of all enables to easily and reliably assembly the components.
- The device 1 for moving the
door 2 according to the present invention comprises alongitudinal bar 4 fixed to thedoor 2,such bar 4 develops along the width of the wardrobe 3 compartment. To the ends of thebar 4, a first sliding or rolling element 5' and a second sliding or rollingelement 5" are respectively applied, such sliding or rolling elements can be devices adapted to roll on the guide ortrack 6, for example wheels, rolls, or balls, or as an alternative, devices adapted to slide along the guide ortrack 6, for example, runners, slides or sleeves (to this matter, the first sliding or rolling element 5' can be identical to the second sliding or rollingelement 5" or can be different from the second sliding or rollingelement 5", particularly it is provided, for the second sliding or rollingelement 5", an embodiment which is particularly adapted to be used in the device 1 according to the present invention and which will be described in the following). Advantageously, abracket 15 is used for rigidly connecting thebar 4 to thedoor 2. Thebracket 15, preferably made in a single body, has roughly a "L" shape and develops between a pair of connecting flanges, connectable respectively, by screws for example, to the upper portion of thedoor 2 surface facing the wardrobe 3 compartment and to the portion of the upper surface of thebar 4 adjacent the first sliding or rolling element 5'. Therefore, theintermediate portion 18 of thebracket 15 is disposed between the connecting flanges, the main purpose of saidbracket 15 being holding thedoor 2 at a predetermined distance from thebar 4. It is important to size theintermediate portion 18 for preventing it from restricting thedoor 2 stroke. For example, it is important that theintermediate portion 18, when is substantially coplanar or parallel to the flange connecting thebracket 15 to thebar 4, has a depth suitably greater than the thickness of the door 2 (and therefore than the thickness of thedoor 2a, assuming that the twodoors door 2, when it opens, to overlap thedoor 2a. As a further example, it is important that theintermediate portion 18 has a width less than half the width of the door 2 (and therefore than the width of thedoor 2a) in order to not abut against the associated bracket of theother door 2a (assuming the two bracket have substantially the same size), not even at the position of maximum opening of thedoor 2. As a further example, it is important that theintermediate portion 18 is at a level greater than the maximum level reached by the door 2 (and therefore than the maximum level reached by thedoor 2, under the assumption the twodoors door 2, during its opening movement, it does interfere with theother door 2a. - The movement device 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is capable of causing the
door 2 to take at least one closed position and an open position (represented inFigure 2 and inFigure 4 , respectively). Since thedoors door 2 requires to follow, during the initial opening step thereof, a trajectory such to prevent impacts against theother door 2a, wherein the displacement of thedoor 2 towards the opening occurs after, or is combined with, the detachment of thedoor 2 from the wardrobe 3. Advantageously, the trajectory of thedoor 2 during its final closing step, reproduces the trajectory followed by thedoor 2 during its initial opening step, in order to always prevent impacts against thedoor 2a.Figure 3 shows a frame of the device 1 according to the present invention, and of thedoor 2 during the initial step of opening thedoor 2, or in the same way during the final step of closing thedoor 2, particularly such frame representing the movement necessary for completing the detachment, from the wardrobe 3, of thedoor 2 edge adjacent thedoor 2a. - The solution chosen for detaching the
door 2 from the wardrobe 3 during its initial opening step, comprises a prevalent detachment ofdoor 2 side adjacent thedoor 2a with respect to a detachment of the opposite side of thedoor 2, consequently thedoor 2 is sloped with respect to thedoor 2a according to an axis substantially parallel to the height of the wardrobe 3. Such slope is particularly obtained by a sudden roto-translation movement imparted to thedoor 2 side adjacent thedoor 2a, by means of a suitable mechanism which will be specifically described in the following. On the contrary, the opposite side of thedoor 2 more gradually detaches, however the same being mainly determined by the curvilinear trajectory of the first portion 6' of the guide ortrack 6 and continues until the first sliding or rolling element 5' reaches thesecond portion 6" of the guide ortrack 6. - Specularly, when the
door 2 is closing, thedoor 2 side distant from thedoor 2a gradually approaches the wardrobe 3, while thedoor 2 side distant from thedoor 2a is subjected to a sudden roto-translational movement simultaneously with the final step of closing thedoor 2. Therefore, it is substantially formed a slope as the one of thedoor 2 with respect to thedoor 2a. - Advantageously, the device 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is configured for automatically generating, during the step of opening the
door 2, the roto-translational movement of thedoor 2 edge adjacent thedoor 2a, since the device 1 is operated by a pulling force imparted on the door 2 (by the user of the wardrobe 3 which pulls towards himself/herself thedoor 2 by typically acting on a handle applied tosuch door 2, for example). In addition, the device 1 is configured so that, during the final step of closing thedoor 2, the inertia itself of the door 2 (moved by the user which pushes thedoor 2 in a direction parallel to such door) causes an automatic activation in order to automatically generate, also during the step of closing thedoor 2, the roto-translational movement of thedoor 2 edge adjacent thedoor 2a. - Advantageously, the device 1 is configured for automatically sloping, both during the initial step of opening the
door 2 and during the final step of closing thedoor 2, thedoor 2 with respect to thedoor 2a along an axis substantially parallel to the depth of the wardrobe 3. Such further slope of thedoor 2, substantially more limited than the beforehand described slope, is for slightly lifting the door 2 (this lifting step is useful particularly during the step of opening thedoor 2, for engaging the second sliding or rollingelement 5" with thesecond portion 6" of the guide ortrack 6 and, during the step of closing thedoor 2, for disengaging the second sliding or rollingelement 5" from thesecond portion 6" of the guide ortrack 6, as it will be better described in the following). - According to the present invention (and as it can be easily inferred by comparing
Figure 2 withFigure 4 ), when thedoor 2 is in the closed position, the first sliding or rolling element 5' is engaged on the first portion 6' of the guide ortrack 6, on the other hand, the second sliding or rollingelement 5" is disengaged from the guide ortrack 6, while when thedoor 2 is in the open position, the first sliding or rolling element 5' and the second sliding or rollingelement 5" are both engaged on thesecond portion 6" of the guide ortrack 6. - The device 1, according to the present invention, uses a
mechanism 9 adapted to enable to switch from the closed position of thedoor 2 to the open position of thedoor 2, and from the open position of thedoor 2 to the closed position of thedoor 2. Besides making possible some characteristic steps of the open and closing movements of thedoor 2, themechanism 9 has also the function of supporting thebar 4 in the closed condition of thedoor 2, by enabling a substantial parallel condition between thebar 4 and edge 8 of thetop 7 of the wardrobe 3, and by consequently enabling the coplanarity between thedoors Figure 2 ). Supporting thebar 4 portions adjacent the second sliding or rollingelement 5" by means of themechanism 9 compensates the configuration of the outline of the guide ortrack 6 which is generally concave and which otherwise would jeopardize the coplanarity between thedoors mechanism 9, supporting thebar 4 in the closed condition of thedoor 2, enables (as opposed to the technical solution disclosed in patentUS 7,647,728 , for example) to avoid installing two distinct guides or tracks on thetop 7 of the wardrobe 3, and therefore avoid managing the beforehand discussed following inconveniences. - The
bar 4, as is clearly visible inFigure 2 , in the closed position ofdoor 2, is stably constrained to themechanism 9. As it is clearly visible inFigure 3 in the detached position of thedoor 2, which occurs, for example, in the first step of opening thedoor 2, thebar 4, which until now was stopped by themechanism 9, is released by any constrains to themechanism 9 and is capable of following the trajectory set by the guide ortrack 6. Lastly, as it is clearly visible inFigure 4 , in the open position ofdoor 2, thebar 4 is not constrained to themechanism 9, which is held in the same configuration ofFigure 3 , in order to be ready to receive thebar 4 during the following switching from the open position ofdoor 2 to the closed position ofdoor 2. - In order to enable the
mechanism 9 to retain thebar 2 and in this way to command the movement of thedoor 2, to thebar 4, preferably to the side of thebar 4 more distant from the edge 8, at least one appendage, preferably disposed in proximity of the second sliding or rollingelement 5", is rigidly applied. In the same way, on themechanism 9 at least one seat (advantageously two distinct seats are made) for housing such appendage, is made. In this way, in the closed position of thedoor 2, thebar 4 is at least partially supported by themechanism 9 and is disposed so that the first sliding or rolling element 5' and the second sliding or rollingelement 5" are substantially at the same distance from the edge 8. - Moreover, the
mechanism 9 is configured for being capable of generating, both when switching from the closed position ofdoor 2 to the open position ofdoor 2, and when switching from the open position of thedoor 2 to the closed position ofdoor 2, a rotation of thebar 4 about an axis transversal to it, optionally substantially normal. Particularly, thebar 4 follows a predefined trajectory during such rotation, along all the trajectory described by thebar 4, the distance between the second sliding or rollingelement 5" and the edge 8 being never greater than the distance between the first sliding or rolling element 5' and the edge 8. - Optionally, the
mechanism 9 is configured also for being capable of generating, both when switching from the closed position of thedoor 2 to the open position of thedoor 2, and when switching from the open position of thedoor 2 to the closed position of thedoor 2, a slight rotation of thebar 4 about a different axis, in order to enable the second sliding or rollingelement 5" to engage or disengage thesecond portion 6" of the guide ortrack 6. - The
mechanism 9, in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, is represented in all the figures attached to the present description, especially inFigures 17 and18 both representing an exploded view of themechanism 9, respectively with a top axonometric view and with a bottom axonometric view. - The
mechanism 9 comprises three main elements which can be made of a plastic material or metal material: astationary structure 70 and twomovable members stationary structure 70, so that the firstmovable element 80 has one translational degree of freedom with respect to thestationary structure 70, while the secondmovable element 90 has a rotational degree of freedom with respect to thestationary structure 70. - The
stationary structure 70 is adapted to be fixed (preferably by screws) to thetop 7 of the wardrobe 3, particularly at a distance from the edge 8, greater than the distance between the guide ortrack 6 and the edge 8. Thestationary structure 70 has a configuration such to enable themovable members stationary structure 70 comprises a substantially quadrangular-shaped body on which seats, openings, flanges, edges, projections, outlines, depressions and similar are integrally made or are rigidly connected. - The first
movable element 80 consists also in a quadrangular-shaped body on which elements such as seats, openings, flanges, edges, projections, outlines, depressions, and similar are integrally made or are rigidly connected. The firstmovable element 80 has a width similar to the one of thestationary structure 70 and a depth suitably smaller than the one of the stationary structure 70 (such depth difference affects also the distance between thedoor 2 and wardrobe 3 in the open position of thedoor 2, as it will be better understood in the following). - The first
movable element 80 is constrained to thestationary structure 70 in order to be capable of freely translating with respect to thestationary structure 70, along a direction transversal, optionally substantially normal, to the edge 8. In this way, the firstmovable element 80 is advantageously provided with at least one series of rolls rolling on the base surface of thestationary structure 70, and is guided, when sliding, by its lateral walls optionally provided with further series of rolls, which are held adjacent to the internal surfaces of lateral profiles integral with thestationary structure 70. The rear wall of thestationary structure 70 acts then as a stop element for the displacements of the stationary structure away from the edge 8 of thetop 7 of the wardrobe 3. Lastly, in order to prevent the firstmovable element 80 from separating from thestationary structure 70, the lateral profiles of this latter are suitably folded inwardly, in order to obtain a pair of seats extending depthwise into thestationary structure 70, in which are received lateral portions of the firstmovable element 80, correspondingly extending and obtained by reducing the height of the firstmovable element 80. - The first
movable element 80, since is constrained to thestationary structure 70 for being capable of freely translating along the depth of thestationary structure 70, can take a retracted position at the closed position ofdoor 2 and an extracted position at the open position of thedoor 2, the distance between the firstmovable element 80 and edge 8 in the retracted position of the firstmovable element 80 being greater than the distance between the firstmovable element 80 and edge 8 in the extracted position of the firstmovable element 80. - In order to be capable of thrusting the first
movable element 80, without actions and/or constrains, towards the retracted position thereof, themechanism 9 comprises at least one first spring applied between the firstmovable element 80 and thestationary structure 70. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, only in an exemplifying and non-limiting way, twofirst springs 81' and 81" are applied between the firstmovable element 80 and thestationary structure 70. Particularly, thefirst springs 81' and 81" extend along the depth of thestationary structure 70, each being hooked to the firstmovable element 80 and to the rear wall of thestationary structure 70. - In order to temper the action of the first spring, for slowing the first
movable element 80 while it translates towards the retracted position thereof, themechanism 9 comprises at least onedamper 81 applied between the firstmovable element 80 and thestationary structure 70, particularly between the firstmovable element 80 and thestationary structure 70, substantially parallel to the first spring. - On the contrary, the second
movable element 90 consists in a body having substantially the shape of a circular sector (suitably reinforced by ribs, especially when is made of plastic material) and disposed substantially parallel to thestationary structure 70. The secondmovable element 90 is suitably positioned at a lateral region of thestationary structure 70, particularly the lateral region of thestationary structure 70 which is located farther from the first portion 6' of the guide ortrack 6 when thestationary structure 70 is mounted on the top 7. - The second
movable element 90 is capable of rotating with respect to thestationary structure 70, about an axis transversal, optionally substantially normal, to the base surface of thestationary structure 70, and consequently transversal, optionally substantially normal, to thetop 7 of said wardrobe 3. For this reason, suitable means in the secondmovable element 90 and/or in thestationary structure 70, such as pins, holes and similar, are provided. - The rotation of the second
movable element 90 with respect to thestationary structure 70 is such to locate the secondmovable element 90 in a retracted position at the closed position of thedoor 2 and in an extracted position at the open position of thedoor 2, the distance between the secondmovable element 90 and the edge 8 in the retracted position of the secondmovable element 90 being greater than the distance between the secondmovable element 90 and the edge 8 in the extracted position of the secondmovable element 90. - In order to thrust the second
movable element 90, without further actions and/or constrains, towards the extracted position thereof, themechanism 9 advantageously comprises asecond spring 91 applied between the secondmovable element 90 and thestationary structure 70. The ends of thesecond spring 91 are respectively hooked to an arm integral with thestationary structure 70, and to a boss integral with the secondmovable element 90 and made in this latter in an eccentric position. Moreover, on the secondmovable element 90 there is a recess disposed around the rotation axis of the secondmovable element 90 and distant from such axis approximately almost as the hooking point of thesecond spring 91 is distant on the secondmovable element 90. Such recess is adapted to house thesecond spring 91 when the secondmovable element 90 is in the retracted position thereof. - In the figures attached to the present description, the second
movable element 90 is disposed above the firstmovable element 80, therefore this latter being interposed between the secondmovable element 90 and thetop 7 of the wardrobe 3. However, the present invention is not considered to be limited in this way, indeed, in a viable embodiment alternative to the one shown in the figures, the secondmovable element 90 can be possibly interposed between the firstmovable element 80 and the top 7. - Referring again to the
movable members movable element 90 from the extracted position to the retracted position or from the retracted position to the extracted position causes, along the depth of the stationary structure 70 (therefore transversal, optionally normal, to the door 2) a positional change of a peripheral portion of the secondmovable element 90 which has the same magnitude as the stroke required to the firstmovable element 80 for translating from the extracted position thereof to the retracted position thereof or from the retracted position thereof to the extracted position thereof. - The
movable members bar 4, configured for implementing a kinematic system with which both the firstmovable element 80 and the secondmovable element 90 cooperate. The purpose of such kinematic system consists of enabling themechanism 9 to switch between the condition wherein themechanism 9 supports thebar 4, by retaining it in a position so that thedoor 2 is held closed, and the condition wherein themechanism 9 does not constrain the movement of the bar 4 (so that thedoor 2 can be taken to an open condition), but is held anyway in a position so that it is predisposed to receive thebar 4 for consequently closing thedoor 2. Such kinematic system causes themovable members door 2, and in the respective extracted position in the open condition of thedoor 2. - With such kinematic system, engaging the
bar 4 with themovable members projections 4' and 4" integral with thebar 4 which engage or disengage fromgrooves movable element 90 and on the secondmovable element 90 respectively,such grooves door 2 is in an open position and transversal to each other when thedoor 2 is in an open position and transversal to each other, optionally substantially normal to each other, when thedoor 2 is in a closed position. Switching the reciprocal orientation between thegrooves stationary structure 70, with which the secondmovable element 90 is provided. - Therefore, rotating the second
movable element 90 is adapted to enable to change the orientation of thesecond groove 92 with respect to thefirst groove 82 when thedoor 2 switches from the closed position to the open position and/or when thedoor 2 switches from the open position to the closed position, thesecond groove 92 being substantially disposed parallel to thefirst groove 82 when the firstmovable element 80 and secondmovable element 90 are both located in the respective extracted position, thesecond groove 92 being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to thefirst groove 82 when the firstmovable element 80 and secondmovable element 90 are both in the respective extracted position. - When switching from the closed position of the
door 2 to the open position of thedoor 2 and/or when switching from the open position of thedoor 2 to the closed position of thedoor 2, the above cited appendage of thebar 4 is capable of translating both along thefirst groove 82, and along thesecond groove 92 and describing generally a roto-translational trajectory with respect to thestationary structure 70. - The
first groove 82 is made on the firstmovable element 80 with a configuration so that it develops substantially parallel to the edge 8, while thesecond groove 92 is made on the secondmovable element 90 with a configuration so that it develops substantially tangent to the rotation axis of the secondmovable element 90. Moreover, the respective configurations of thegrooves bar 4 to be housed, in the closed position of thedoor 2, both in thefirst groove 82, and in thesecond groove 92. In addition, the appendage abuts against the bottom 83 of thefirst groove 82 and/or the bottom 93 of thesecond groove 92 when the firstmovable element 80 and secondmovable element 90 are both in the respective retracted position. - Advantageously, the
bar 4 comprises a first projection 4', destined to be housed in thefirst groove 82, and asecond projection 4", destined to be housed in thesecond groove 92. The first projection 4' andsecond projection 4", as clearly shown inFigure 9 , are substantially coaxial to each other, the axis being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to thetop 7 of the wardrobe 3, and projects from opposite faces of a connectingplate 40 rigidly connected to thebar 4. - Advantageously, the
first groove 82 is obtained by making a longitudinal boss, particularly shaped as a "U", on the upper surface of the firstmovable element 90. Such boss substantially develops along the width of thefirst member 80 and is closed in the direction facing the first portion 6' of the guide ortrack 7, and is open in the opposite direction. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures attached to the present description, thefirst groove 82 develops along a straight line. It is also possible that thefirst groove 82 develops, on the contrary, along a curvilinear trajectory. The first projection 4' of thebar 4 moves along thefirst groove 82, the movement thereof being guided by the lateral walls of the boss which defines thefirst groove 82, until it stops when such first projection 4' abuts against the bottom 83 of thefirst groove 82. - Advantageously, the first projection 4', when it slides along the
first groove 82, is kept in contact with the base surface 84 of thefirst groove 82. In this way, it is possible to change the level at which the first projection 4' is located when slides along thefirst groove 82, for lifting and/or lowering thebar 4, by sloping the base surface 84 or at least part of it with respect to a reference plane substantially parallel to thetop 7 of the wardrobe 3. - In this way, the
bar 4 is enabled to be slightly lifted for allowing the second sliding or rollingelement 5" to be engaged on or disengaged from the guide ortrack 6, for example, particularly from thesecond portion 6". Since the engagement and disengagement of the second sliding or rollingelement 5" occurs simultaneously with the final step of sliding the first projection 4' along thefirst groove 82 and the disengagement simultaneously with the initial step of sliding the first projection 4' along thefirst groove 82, it is particularly advantageous to slope the base surface 84 with respect to the top 7 at the area of thefirst groove 82 farther from the bottom 83. - The base surface 84 comprises at least one
first portion 85 and onesecond portion 86, thesecond portion 86 being interposed between thefirst portion 85 and the bottom 83 of thefirst groove 82. Preferably, thesecond portion 86 is substantially parallel to the top 7, while thefirst portion 85 is slightly sloped with respect to thesecond portion 86, such slope occurring towards or away from the top 7. According to a possible size of themechanism 9, according to an embodiment of the present invention, thesecond portion 86 has an extension comprised between the extension of thefirst portion 85 and twice the extension of thefirst portion 85. - Advantageously, the
second groove 92 is obtained by shaping the secondmovable element 90 in order to make, on a lateral surface of the secondmovable element 90, a longitudinal lead-in particularly shaped as an "U". In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures attached to the present description, thesecond groove 92 develops along a straight line. On the other hand, thesecond groove 92 can also develop along a curvilinear trajectory, particularly along an arc of a circle, wherein the center coincides substantially with the rotation pin of the secondmovable element 90. Thesecond projection 4" of thebar 4 follows thesecond groove 92 since its movement is guided by the lateral walls of the cavity defining thesecond groove 82, until it stops at the instant in which suchsecond projection 4" abuts against the bottom of thesecond groove 92. - Advantageously, the
second groove 92 has an extension smaller than the one of thefirst groove 82. - Advantageously, the
mechanism 9 comprises hooking means 20 having the function of holding the firstmovable element 80 in the respective extracted position, without further actions and/or constrains. Therefore, the hookingmeans 20 are useful for countering the return force exerted on the firstmovable element 80 by thefirst springs 81' and 81". Since the firstmovable element 80 remains in the respective extracted position, thefirst groove 82 consequently is disposed in a position wherein is ready to receive the first projection 4' for closing thedoor 2. - Advantageously, the hooking means 20 or a plurality of components of such hooking
means 20 have a symmetric shape. - In the exemplary embodiment of the hooking means 20 in the figures attached to the present description, at least an
abutment surface 77 is rigidly connected to thestationary structure 70. Theabutment surface 77 is disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to the top and is substantially parallel to the edge 8. Preferably, it is made in one piece with thestationary structure 70, for example by suitably deep drawing the base surface of thestationary structure 70. Advantageously, two abutment surfaces, substantially equal and slightly distanced from each other, are made on thestationary structure 70. - Therefore, a
lever 31 is articulated to the firstmovable element 80, thelever 31 developing along the depth of the firstmovable element 80 and advantageously having a symmetric shape. Thelever 31 comprises at least onefirst portion 32 and onesecond portion 33. Advantageously, the distance between thefirst portion 32 of thelever 31 and the edge 8 is greater than the distance between thesecond portion 33 of thelever 31 and the edge 8. At least onepin 30 is applied to thefirst portion 31 while, at least one protrusion 34 (particularly, a pair of protrusions disposed symmetrically to each other) adapted to abut against theabutment surface 71 in the extracted position of the firstmovable element 80, is applied to thesecond portion 33. - Lastly, at least one
seat 87 is made in the firstmovable element 80, for housing thepin 30 of thelever 31 according to an arrangement so that the rotation axis of thepin 30 in theseat 87, is substantially disposed parallel to the edge 8. The position of theseat 87 in the firstmovable element 80 is such to make the distance of thepin 30 of thelever 31 from the top 7, greater than the distance of theabutment surface 77 of thestationary structure 70 from the top 7. - Moreover, the hooking
means 20 comprise athird spring 21, a first end 21' of thethird spring 21 being applied to the firstmovable element 80 and asecond end 21" of thethird spring 21 being applied to thelever 31 in order to thrust eachprotrusion 34 against therespective abutment surface 71 when the firstmovable element 80 is located in its own extracted position. Due to this action exerted by thethird spring 21, the stability of the position of the firstmovable element 80 in the extracted location thereof, is substantially improved. Such position can be made more stable, by providing, adjacent to eachabutment surface 71, a respective folded edge acting as a lead-in for eachprotrusion 34, which makes easier to correctly position it. - Since the
pin 30 of thelever 31 is the farthest from the top 7 with respect to theabutment surface 77 of thestationary structure 70, thethird spring 21, for exerting its action, is applied at a point of thelever 31 positioned at a distance from the top 7, less than the distance of thepin 30 from the top 7. Advantageously, thethird spring 21, in order to bolster the pulling action on thelever 31 without substantially increasing the size, is folded until it takes, between the first end 21' andsecond end 21", a substantially "U" shape. A housing for thethird spring 21 is made on the firstmovable element 80, adjacent theseat 87, such housing being particularly delimited by a pair of containing walls extending along the depth of the firstmovable element 80. - Preferably, the hooking means 20 further comprise at least one sliding
surface 71 rigidly connected to thestationary structure 70 and adapted to guide with a suitable precision, the displacements of thelever 31 when thedoor 2 switches from the closed position to the open position and when thedoor 2 switches from the open position to the closed position. The slidingsurface 71 is disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to theabutment surface 77 and is substantially parallel to the top 7. Advantageously, two sliding surfaces, substantially equal and slightly distanced from each other, are made on thestationary structure 70, eachabutment surface 71 being adjacent therespective abutment surface 77. - When the first
movable element 80 slides with respect to thestationary structure 70, eachprotrusion 34 of thelever 31 slides along the respective slidingsurface 71. At least a further protrusion (advantageously two further protrusions disposed symmetrically to each other) can project from thefirst portion 32 of thelever 31 for better supporting thelever 31. Such further protrusion slides along the slidingsurface 71 when the firstmovable element 80 slides with respect to thestationary structure 70 and is kept in contact with the slidingsurface 71 until theprotrusion 34 reaches theabutment surface 77. - Advantageously, the corner between each sliding
surface 71 and therespective abutment surface 77 is radiused. - It is possible to obtain each sliding
surface 71 by making it in one piece with thestationary structure 70. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, each slidingsurface 71 and eachabutment surface 77 are integral to a kind of an enclosure, acting also as a container for thelever 31 and for thethird spring 21, such enclosure being rigidly connected (for example by welding) to thestationary structure 70. - Since the second sliding or rolling
element 5", as explained beforehand, should engage or disengage thesecond portion 6" of the guide ortrack 6, herein it is given a configuration for such second sliding or rollingelement 5" which is particularly adapted for such engagement and disengagement. Suitably, it is noted that the following configuration can be recognized as an invention, since such configuration is useable not only for making the second sliding or rollingelement 5" inside the device 1, but also for different devices and for different objects. - The second sliding or rolling
element 5" has an axisymmetric shape and consequently is shaped as a roll, capable of rolling along the guide ortrack 6. Particularly, the configuration of the second sliding or rollingelement 5" does not provide any symmetry plane normal to the rotation axis. More specifically, the second sliding or rollingelement 5" comprises a first shoulder 50', arecess 51 and asecond shoulder 50", therecess 51 being made between the first shoulder 50' andsecond shoulder 50". The first shoulder 50' of the second sliding or rollingelement 5" is destined to come in contact with the side of the guide ortrack 6 nearer to the edge 8, while thesecond shoulder 50" of the second sliding or rollingelement 5" is the one destined to come in contact with the side of the guide ortrack 6 farther from the edge 8. - The first shoulder 50' is shorter (particularly has a smaller diameter) than the
second shoulder 50". In this way, the first shoulder 50' can (particularly by simultaneously slightly lifting thebar 4 by means of the mechanism 9) more easily bypass the obstacle represented by the guide ortrack 6. In order to further aid the first shoulder 50' to get past the guide ortrack 6 and to come in contact with the side of the guide ortrack 6 nearer to theedge 7, the corner between the first shoulder 50' andrecess 51 is suitably radiused, as is clearly visible inFigure 7 , for example. On the other hand, thesecond shoulder 50" of the second sliding or rollingelement 5", since it has a diameter greater than the one of the first shoulder 50', ensures an extensive contact with the side of the guide or thetrack 6 farther from the edge 8 and therefore ensures thebar 4 to accurately slide along the guide ortrack 6. - Instead, with reference to the first sliding or rolling element 5', it can be analogous to the second sliding or rolling
element 5" (so that the components of the device 1 can be advantageously standardized), or can be different from it. For example, the first sliding or rolling element 5' can be shaped as a roll, both shoulders being extended for ensuring to stably position the same on the guide ortrack 6. - In the following it is particularly described the sequence by which the
mechanism 9 executes the switching from the closed position ofdoor 2 to the open position ofdoor 2 and the opposite sequence by which themechanism 9 instead executes the switching from the open position of thedoor 2 to the closed position of thedoor 2, illustrated in Figures from 5 to 16. - The
door 2, in the closed position, is in contact with the wardrobe 3 and is disposed adjacently to theother door 2a. Thebar 4 is substantially oriented parallel to the edge 8. The second sliding or rollingelement 5" is disengaged from the guide ortrack 6, on the other hand, the first sliding or rolling element 5' is engaged with the first portion 6' of the guide ortrack 6. - As it is visible in the Figures from 5 to 9, the
movable members grooves movable members projections 4' and 4" abuts against the bottoms of therespective grooves bar 4 is prevented from moving with respect to themechanism 9. The elastic force exerted by thefirst springs 81' and 81" of the firstmovable element 80 ensures thebar 4 to be stably held in position, while the elastic force exerted by thesecond spring 91 is not capable of actuating the secondmovable element 90. Lastly, the hookingmeans 20 are disposed in their rest configuration. - Applying a pulling force to the
door 2 at the edge adjacent theother door 2a causes it to detach from the wardrobe 3. Consequently, thebar 4 slopes and the first sliding or rolling element 5' starts moving along the first portion 6' of the guide or track. - As it is visible in
Figure 10 , theprojections 4' and 4" (rigidly connected to thebar 4 and therefore subjected to the same pulling force) thrust the firstmovable element 80 to advance towards thesecond portion 6" of the guide ortrack 6, since the elastic force exerted by thefirst springs 81' and 81" prevails. The hooking means 20 advance along the slidingsurface 71 still in an inactive condition. The secondmovable element 90, subjected to the action of the elastic force of thesecond spring 91, rotates about the pin thereof on thestationary structure 70 and in turn advances coordinately with the firstmovable element 80, since this latter is indirectly constrained by means of thebar 4. - Rotating the second
movable element 90 causes the first projection 4' to ascend along thegroove 82, by moving from thesecond portion 86 to thefirst portion 85 and therefore progressively increasing the level thereof. - As it is visible in Figures from 11 to 16, when both the
movable members means 20 are activated, and therefore eachprotrusion 34 of thelever 31 moves to abut against therespective abutment surface 77, so that is therefore thrusted against this latter by the action of thethird spring 21. - The
grooves movable members projections 4' and 4" can disengage from therespective grooves - It follows that the
bar 4 is disengaged by the constrain implemented by themechanism 9. The second sliding or rollingelement 5" almost simultaneously engages thesecond portion 6" of the guide ortrack 6, while the first sliding or rolling element 5' attains thesecond portion 6" of the guide ortrack 6. At this point, thedoor 2 is parallel to and overlapped thedoor 2a and can attain the complete open position thereof, by thebar 4 sliding along thesecond portion 6" of the guide ortrack 6. - The
movable members first springs 81' and 81" and therefore makes stable the position of the firstmovable element 80, while the elastic force exerted by thesecond spring 91 makes stable the position of the secondmovable element 90. - Therefore, applying a force to the
door 2 in the open condition in a direction parallel to thesecond portion 6" of the guide ortrack 6, theprojections 4' and 4" enter thegrooves - The
bar 4 slightly changes the level thereof due to the slope of thefirst portion 85 of the base surface 84 of thefirst groove 82. The second sliding or rollingelement 5" almost simultaneously disengages thesecond portion 6" of the guide ortrack 6, while the first sliding or rolling element 5' attains the first portion 6' of the guide ortrack 6. - When the
second projection 4" attains the bottom of thesecond groove 92 of the secondmovable element 90, thebar 4 is again subjected to the constrain implemented by themechanism 9, which supports it and causes it to slope. Therefore, the first projection 4' drives the firstmovable element 80 away from the edge 8, and with it also thepin 30 of thelever 31, such pin being constrained to the firstmovable element 80. Therefore, thelever 31 is rotated, for overcoming the elastic force of thethird spring 21. Consequently, eachprotrusion 34 is released from the constrain represented by therespective abutment surface 77. Therefore, the hookingmeans 20 are no more operative and the firstmovable element 80 can return towards the retracted position thereof, by moving away from the edge 8 by the elastic force of thefirst springs 81' and 81". As the firstmovable element 80 gradually approaches the retracted position thereof, thedamper 81 activates itself for suitably slowing the speed of the firstmovable element 80. - In turn, the second
movable element 90 can return towards the retracted position, by overcoming the opposite elastic force exerted by thesecond spring 91. After rotating the secondmovable element 90, thegrooves - The movement of the
movable members door 2 comes in contact with the wardrobe 3 and is located adjacent theother door 2a. - The present invention fulfills the proposed objects and obtains important advantages.
- The device, according to the present invention, ensures accurate opening and closing movements of the door by a structure which is more simple and compact than the ones of the prior art.
- Consequently, the discussed device is sturdy, reliable, and inexpensive and can be easily mounted to wardrobes of different size. The device for moving sliding doors, according to the present invention, is particularly suitable for being reliably used when combined with very heavy doors, weighing more than 100 kg.
- Moreover, the device in question enables to avoid any interferences of the door itself with other portions of the wardrobe.
- In addition, it is evident that the present invention fully meets all the objects for which it was devised. Particularly, the provision of the
mechanism 9, which makes possible to install a single guide ortrack 6 for moving both thedoors - Lastly, it is clearly understood from the present description that plural modifications to the components of the device and wardrobe according to the present invention, for example with reference to the size, configuration and materials, still falling completely in the scope defined by the following claims, which form also an integrating part of the present description, are possible.
Claims (15)
- Device (1) for moving a sliding door (2), said door (2) being adapted to close a compartment of an article of furniture (3) such as a wardrobe or a kitchen cupboard or a hanging, said device (1) comprising:- a longitudinal bar (4) fixed to said door (2), said bar (4) developing along the width of said compartment, substantially at the ends of said bar (4) a first sliding or rolling element (5') and a second sliding or rolling element (5") being applied, and- a guide or track (6) mountable on the top (7) of said article of furniture (3) along the width of said compartment and configured so that it can be travelled by said first sliding or rolling element (5') and by said second sliding or rolling element (5"), said guide or track (6) comprising at least one first portion (6') and one second portion (6") disposed in continuity with each other, said first portion (6') being substantially curvilinear and extending towards an edge (8) of said top, said second portion (6" ) being substantially rectilinear;said device (1) being configured for causing said door (2) to take at least a closed position and an open position, in said closed position said first sliding or rolling element (5') being engaged on said first portion (6') of said guide or track (6) and said second sliding or rolling element (5") being disengaged from said guide or track (6), in said open position said first sliding or rolling element (5') and said second sliding or rolling element (5") being both engaged on said second portion (6") of said guide or track (6);said device (1) comprising a mechanism (9) adapted to enable to switch from said closed position of said door (2) to said open position of said door (2) and from said open position of said door (2) to said closed position of said door (2), said mechanism (9) being configured so that, in said closed position of said door (2), said bar (4) is constrained to said mechanism (9) and in said open position of said door (2) said bar (4) is not constrained to said mechanism (9),wherein said bar (4) rigidly carries at least one appendage or seat and wherein in said mechanism (9) at least one seat configured for housing said appendage of the bar or an appendage configured for engaging said seat of the bar is made, so that, by such housing and in said closed position of said door (2), said bar (4) is at least partially supported by said mechanism (9), in an arrangement so that the distance of said first sliding or rolling element (5') from said edge (8) and the distance of said second sliding or rolling element (5") from said edge (8) are substantially equal,wherein said mechanism (9) is configured for being capable of causing a rotation of said bar (4) during the switching from said closed position of said door (2) to said open position of said door (2) and during the switching from said open position of said door (2) to said closed position of said door (2), such rotation occurring along an axis substantially normal to said bar (4) and in a direction so that, during said rotation, the distance between said first sliding or rolling element (5') and said edge (8) remains not less than distance of said second sliding or rolling element (5") from said edge (8), wherein said mechanism (9) comprises:- a stationary structure (70) adapted to be mounted on said top (7) of said article of furniture (3);- a first movable element (80) constrained to said stationary structure (70) so that it freely translates, with respect to said stationary structure (70), along a direction transversal to said edge (8), the translation of said first movable element (80) with respect to said stationary structure (70) being such to cause said first movable element (80) to take a retracted position at said closed position of said door (2) and an extracted position at said open position of said door (2), the distance between said first movable element (80) and said edge (8) in said retracted position of said first movable element (80) being greater than the distance between said first movable element (80) and said edge (8) in said extracted position of said first movable element (80);- a second movable element (90) constrained to said stationary structure (70) so that it freely rotates, with respect to said stationary structure (70) around an axis transversal to said top (7) of said article of furniture (3), the rotation of said second movable element (90) with respect to said stationary structure (70) causing said second movable element (90) to take a retracted position at said closed position of said door (2) and an extracted position at said open position of said door (2), the distance between said second movable element (90) and said edge (8) in said retracted position of said second movable element (90) being greater than the distance between said second movable element (90) and said edge (8) in said extracted position of said second movable element (90);said first movable element (80) being interposed between said second movable element (90) and said top (7) of said article of furniture (3) or said second movable element (90) being interposed between said first movable element (80) and said top (7) of said article of furniture (3).
- Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said appendage or seat is disposed in proximity of said second sliding or rolling element (5") and is spaced from said edge (8) more than said second sliding or rolling element (5").
- Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first movable element (80) is constrained to said stationary structure (70) so that it freely translates, with respect to said stationary structure (70), along a direction substantially normal to said edge (8).
- Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second movable element (90) is constrained to said stationary structure (70) so that it freely rotates, with respect to said stationary structure (70) around an axis substantially normal to said top (7) of said article of furniture (3).
- Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a first elastic element, such as a first spring, is applied between said first movable element (80) and said stationary structure (70), preferably at least two first springs (81', 81") being applied between said first movable element (80) and said stationary structure (70), said first elastic element being adapted to thrust said first movable element (80) towards its own first retracted position.
- Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one damper (81) is applied between said first movable element (80) and said stationary structure (70), wherein said damper (81) is adapted to slow said first movable element (80) during the translations towards its own retracted position.
- Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one second spring (91) is applied between said second movable element (90) and said stationary structure (70), said second spring (91) being adapted to thrust said second movable element (90) towards its own extracted position.
- Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between said stationary structure (70) and said edge (8) is greater than the distance between said guide or track (6) and said edge (8).
- Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein on said first movable element (80) a first groove (82) is made, said first groove (82) developing substantially parallel to said edge (8), and wherein on said second movable element (90) a second groove (92) is made, said second groove (92) developing substantially tangent to the rotation axis of said second movable element (90), said appendage of said bar (4) being housed, in said closed position of said door (2), both in said first groove (82), and in said second groove (92);
wherein particularly:A) said appendage comprises a first projection (4') adapted to be housed, in said closed position of said door (2), in said first groove (82) and a second projection (4") adapted to be housed, in said closed position of said door (2), in said second groove (92), said first projection (4') and said second projection (4") being substantially coaxial with each other, the axis being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to said top (7) of said article of furniture (3), and projecting from opposite faces of a connecting plate (40) of said appendage to said bar (4), and/orB) the rotation of said second movable element (90) is adapted to enable a change of the orientation of said second groove (92) with respect to said first groove (82) during the switching from said closed position of said door (2) to said open position of said door (2) and/or during the switching from said open position of said door (2) to said closed position of said door (2), said second groove (92) being disposed substantially parallel to said first groove (82) when said first movable element (80) and said second movable element (90) are both in the respective extracted position, said second groove (92) being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to said first groove (82) when said first movable element (80) and said second movable element (90) are both in the respective retracted position, and/orC) during the switching from said closed position of said door (2) to said open position of said door (2) and/or during the switching from said open position of said door (2) to said closed position of said door (2), said appendage of said bar (4) is capable of translating both along said first groove (82) and along said second groove (92), and of generally describing a roto-translating trajectory with respect to said stationary structure (70), and/orD) said appendage abuts against the bottom (83) of said first groove (82) and/or bottom (93) of said second groove (92) when said first movable element (80) and said second movable element (90) are both in the respective retracted position, and/orE) said first groove (82) is configured for exhibiting a base surface (84), said base surface (84) comprising at least a first portion (85) and one second portion (86), said second portion (86) being interposed between said first portion (85) and bottom (83) of said first groove (82), said second portion (86) being substantially parallel to said top (7) of said article of furniture (3), and said first portion (85) being slightly sloped with respect to said second portion (86), said second portion (86) preferably having an extension comprised between the extension of said first portion (85) and twice the extension of said first portion (85). - Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein to said stationary structure (70) and/or to said first movable element (80) hooking means (20) adapted to hold said first movable element (80) in the respective retracted position are applied, for particularly overcoming the return force exerted by said first elastic element;
wherein preferably:A) said hooking means (20) comprise:- at least one abutment surface (77) rigidly connected to said stationary structure (70), said abutment surface (77) being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to said top (7) of said article of furniture (3) and substantially parallel to said edge (8) and being preferably made in one piece with said stationary structure (70);- at least one lever (31) articulated to said first movable element (80), said lever (31) comprising at least one first portion (32) and one second portion (33), to said first portion (32) at least one pin (30) being applied and to said second portion (33) at least one protrusion (34) adapted to abut against said abutment surface (77) in said extracted position of said first movable element (80) being applied, and- at least one seat (87) made in said first movable element (80), said pin (30) of said lever (31) being adapted to be housed in said seat (87) according to an arrangement so that the rotation axis of said pin (30) in said seat (87) is substantially parallel to said edge (8), wherein the distance of said pin (30) from said top (7) of said article of furniture (3) is preferably greater than the distance of said abutment surface (77) from said top (7) of said article of furniture (3); and/orB) said hooking means (20) further comprise a third spring (21), a first end (21') of said third spring (21) being applied to said first movable element (80) and a second end (21") of said third spring (21) being applied to said lever (31) by thrusting said protrusion (34) against said abutment surface (77) when said first movable element (80) is in its own extracted position, wherein the distance between the application point of said third spring (21) on said lever (31) and said top (7) of said article of furniture (3) is preferably less than the distance of said pin (30) from said top (7) of said article of furniture (3); and/orC) said hooking means (20) further comprise at least one sliding surface (71) adapted to be contacted by said lever (31), particularly by said protrusion (34), during the switching from said closed position of said door (2) to said open position of said door (2) and during the switching from said open position of said door (2) to said closed position of said door (2), said sliding surface (71) being rigidly connected to said stationary structure (70) and being disposed transversal, optionally substantially normal, to said abutment surface (77) and substantially parallel to said top (7) of said article of furniture (3), said sliding surface (71) being preferably made in one piece with said stationary structure (70), wherein said sliding surface (71) is adjacent said abutment surface (77), the corner between said sliding surface (71) and said abutment surface (77) being preferably radiused. - Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second sliding or rolling element (5") has an axisymmetric shape and comprises a first shoulder (50'), a recess (51) and a second shoulder (50"), said recess (51) being interposed between said first shoulder (50') and said second shoulder (50"), said first shoulder (50') being adapted to contact the side of said guide or track (6) nearer said edge (8) and said second shoulder (50") being adapted to contact the side of said guide or track (6) farther from said edge (8), wherein said first shoulder (50') has a smaller extension than said second shoulder (50"), the corner between said second shoulder (50") and said recess (51) being preferably radiused.
- Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a bracket (15) adapted to rigidly connect said bar (4) to said door (2), said bracket (15) being applied to said bar (4) in proximity of said sliding or rolling element (5'), wherein said bracket (15) preferably comprises an intermediate portion (18) adapted to hold said door (2) at a predetermined distance from said bar (4), at least part of said intermediate portion (18) being configured for having a depth greater than the thickness of said door (2) and a width less than half the width of said door (2) and for being disposed at a level greater than said door (2).
- Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first portion (6') of said guide or track (6) has a substantially "S" shape, the inflection being particularly positioned at half said first portion (6') of said guide or track (6).
- Article of furniture (3), such as a wardrobe or a kitchen cupboard or a hanging, comprising:- a first door (2);- a second door (2a);- a first device (1) for moving a sliding door, and- a second device (1a) for moving a sliding door,
wherein said first device (1) connects said first door (2) to said article of furniture (3) and wherein said second device (1a) connects said second door (2a) to said article of furniture (3), said first device (1) and/or said second device (1a) being according to any one of the preceding claims, said first door (2) being particularly symmetrical to said second door (2a) with respect to the mid plane of said article of furniture (3) and said first device (1) being particularly symmetrical to said second device (1a) with respect to a mid plane of said article of furniture (3). - Article of furniture (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first device (1) and said second device (1a) share the same guide or track (6), said guide or track (6) being particularly symmetrical to a mid plane of said article of furniture (3).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT102016000098928A IT201600098928A1 (en) | 2016-10-03 | 2016-10-03 | DEVICE FOR HANDLING SLIDING DOORS AND FURNITURE ARTICLE INCLUDING THIS DEVICE |
PCT/IB2017/056013 WO2018065871A1 (en) | 2016-10-03 | 2017-09-29 | Device for moving sliding doors and article of furniture comprising such a device |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3519655A1 EP3519655A1 (en) | 2019-08-07 |
EP3519655B1 true EP3519655B1 (en) | 2021-11-10 |
EP3519655B8 EP3519655B8 (en) | 2021-12-15 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17788310.5A Active EP3519655B8 (en) | 2016-10-03 | 2017-09-29 | Device for moving sliding doors and article of furniture comprising such a device |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP3519655B8 (en) |
CN (1) | CN110023577A (en) |
IT (1) | IT201600098928A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018065871A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2024056844A1 (en) * | 2022-09-16 | 2024-03-21 | Häfele SE & Co KG | Sliding door fitting and item of furniture having such a sliding door fitting |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102019216524B4 (en) | 2019-07-31 | 2021-05-27 | Roto Frank Fenster- und Türtechnologie GmbH | Fitting arrangement for a wing that can be folded in parallel and a locking arrangement for a building opening |
DE102019215332A1 (en) | 2019-10-07 | 2021-04-08 | W. Gessmann Gmbh | Light signal device for a driverless transport system |
DE202022105237U1 (en) * | 2022-09-16 | 2023-09-26 | Häfele SE & Co KG | Sliding door fitting for a sliding door and a piece of furniture with such a sliding door fitting |
DE202022105235U1 (en) * | 2022-09-16 | 2023-09-27 | Häfele SE & Co KG | Sliding door fitting and a piece of furniture with such a sliding door fitting |
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US4704819A (en) * | 1986-04-15 | 1987-11-10 | Yosiji Tutikawa | Flat sliding door unit |
EP1613831B1 (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2007-09-05 | Bortoluzzi Mobili S.r.l. | Sliding doors with cam guides for coplanar closing, particularly for pieces of furniture or similars |
FR2922575A1 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2009-04-24 | Cayron Ameublement Soc Par Act | Door leaf's movement switching device for opening of e.g. building, has cam element pivoted from stable angular position to another stable angular position under effect of pressure effort exerted by guiding slide |
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JP4200468B1 (en) * | 2008-03-13 | 2008-12-24 | 株式会社シバサキ | Flat door opening and closing mechanism |
-
2016
- 2016-10-03 IT IT102016000098928A patent/IT201600098928A1/en unknown
-
2017
- 2017-09-29 EP EP17788310.5A patent/EP3519655B8/en active Active
- 2017-09-29 CN CN201780074764.7A patent/CN110023577A/en active Pending
- 2017-09-29 WO PCT/IB2017/056013 patent/WO2018065871A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (3)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US4704819A (en) * | 1986-04-15 | 1987-11-10 | Yosiji Tutikawa | Flat sliding door unit |
EP1613831B1 (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2007-09-05 | Bortoluzzi Mobili S.r.l. | Sliding doors with cam guides for coplanar closing, particularly for pieces of furniture or similars |
FR2922575A1 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2009-04-24 | Cayron Ameublement Soc Par Act | Door leaf's movement switching device for opening of e.g. building, has cam element pivoted from stable angular position to another stable angular position under effect of pressure effort exerted by guiding slide |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2024056844A1 (en) * | 2022-09-16 | 2024-03-21 | Häfele SE & Co KG | Sliding door fitting and item of furniture having such a sliding door fitting |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3519655A1 (en) | 2019-08-07 |
WO2018065871A1 (en) | 2018-04-12 |
EP3519655B8 (en) | 2021-12-15 |
IT201600098928A1 (en) | 2018-04-03 |
CN110023577A (en) | 2019-07-16 |
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